Christians urge Government not to abolish Ofcom

The Christian Broadcasting Council (CBC) has appealed to Britain’s new coalition Government not to get rid of Ofcom over fears that such a move may jeopardise freedom of speech.

The council urged the Conservatives and Lib Dems to "think very carefully" about proposals to abolish the broadcasting regulator.

The Conservatives pledged to do away with Quangos (Quasi-autonomous National Government Organisations) in the run-up to the election but CBC is urging the new government to spare Ofcom in order to safeguard freedom of speech.

It fears that if media is regulated by central government, it could considerably stifle free speech and silence Christian voices in the name of political correctness.

"If Ofcom were to go, media would come under the scrutiny of central government, creating big implications for broadcasters," said CBC chair Olave Snelling.

She warned that religious broadcasting could suffer if the Government decided to cut funding for broadcasting.

"Everywhere cuts can be made, they will be made," says Olave Snelling. "There is going to be much slashing and burning. And in commercial media companies and the independent Christian media the pressure of finance will be acute."

Addressing the regular CBC prayer meeting for broadcasters, Olave Snelling called on Christian broadcasters to stand up and speak up.

"With a new coalition government we need to speak hope afresh into a nation which is going into a period of unprecedented volatility as policy in every sphere of the nation's life is hammered out.

"Even so, this is a fantastic time of opportunity for Christians to unite, rise up and touch the nation afresh with the powerful force of the precious Gospel. We particularly want to bless the broadcasters."