BBC is ‘coming up short’ in religious broadcasting and does not take faith seriously, presenter warns
by Hannah Furness, Telegraph:
The BBC is “coming up short” in religious broadcasting, risking failing to take faith seriously in an era where it is essential the public understand it, a senior broadcaster has warned.
Roger Bolton, a producer and BBC Radio 4 presenter, said he has become “worried” about the output of the corporation and its “whole approach” to religion.
Arguing religion could no longer be seen as a declining influence in the world, he added it is essential for the BBC to promote knowledge and understanding of different faiths.
His words follow the announced departure of Aaqil Ahmed, the BBC’s head of religion and ethics, who is leaving after 20 years at the corporation as departments are shifted.
Lord Hall of Birkenhead, the director-general, this week disclosed he has appointed James Purnell to take overall responsibility of religious content, along with his other new corporate responsibilities overseeing radio and education.
Lord Hall claimed the appointment demonstrated that the BBC was taking “one of the big issues of our times” seriously, pledging to personally head up roundtable conversations with senior British religious leaders early next year.
Related Posts
Tags
Share This
