|
|
|
The convener of the Presbyterian Church's Media Committee has expressed 'grave concern' about the issues that have been raised following the decision of Rev Ernest Rea to leave his post as head of religious broadcasting in the BBC.
'In Northern Ireland we enjoy high quality and high profile local religious programming on television and radio,' says Rev Richard Hill. 'However it is a matter of concern that with the exception of "Songs of Praise", religious broadcasting has become increasingly pushed to the margins of the schedules on the main network.'
Mr Hill says that he was 'encouraged' by a recent statement from the BBC that 'religious broadcasting would continue to be a seen as a "landmark" by the new Director General.'
While recognising 'a need for the BBC to continue to change in order to meet the demands of a changing society, and changing technology,' Mr Hill also noted positively comments by the BBC's Director General Gregg Dyke in his recent McTaggert Lecture that "while this may mean that some old faithfuls disappear and others move from the fringe of BBC one to peak time on BBC Two, it does not mean we are banishing all current affairs, documentaries, religion and arts to other channels".
However despite these statements Mr Hill continues that 'there is real fear that some religious programmes are moving from the fringe of BBC One to nowhere at all! The issues raised by Rev Ernest Rea's departure do nothing to alleviate these fears.'
'I will be reassured when I see more religious programming at a time that is not at the edge of the television schedule. More people attend worship in churches in the UK over the weekend than attend soccer matches. Religious programming should not be left on the bench. Spirituality is still an important part of the culture and life of the nation- as BBC statistics have shown!'
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
PCI Home . . . Press Office . . . News Archive