Memorandum by M Atkins
I wish to comment on the following questions
which are under consideration
1. Do different faiths (including no faith
beliefs) figure sufficiently in BBC Programmes and services?
— Faiths of all descriptions have
a disproportionate representation in all aspects of broadcasting.
Not only are there programmes that are unambiguously religious
but religious representation appears in many guises; videlicet;
when seeking the views of a community it is all too frequently
a vicar or some other religious devotee who is interviewed and
purports to represent the view of the community.
— Those of no faith, a great proportion
of the population, rarely have programmes devoted to their life
ethos. The social mores denoting altruistic behaviour are show
as emanating from religious teachings whereas the reverse is often
truer with religions promoting strife.
— In general therefore faiths figure
to a disproportionately large amount in what is a publicly funded
broadcasting system. In effect the BBC is proselytising religion
at the licence payer's expense and without their consent.
2. How should faiths be represented in BBC
programmes, services and governance?
— The BBC should stand aside from
faith based content and abjure any faith representation. Faith
or non faith is a matter of personal choice.
10 October 2005
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