Supplementary evidence from BBC Northern
Ireland
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
IN NORTHERN IRELAND
Anna Carragher, the Controller of BBC Northern
Ireland, thought Members might find it helpful swiftly to have
the further information requested concerning the local Thought
For The Day.
This programme is broadcast twice daily on BBC
Radio Ulster at 0655 and 0755. The talks on Monday and Friday
are live, those from Tuesday to Thursday, pre-recorded.
Thought for the Day is intended as a
reflection on all sorts of issues and topics in everyday life
which may comfort, challenge, amuse or strengthen some of the
listeners or simply leave them with the reaction "I never
thought of that before".
Contributors to the programme are chosen, not
on the basis that they represent a particular denomination or
faith or a non-denominational or secular interest group, but because
it is considered they have something useful or important to say
and that they can say it in an engaging and accessible way.
However, the great majority of the contributors
would come from a faith background and given the religious make
up of Northern Ireland, the majority of these would be Christian.
However, in the course of a year, there would be a small number—perhaps
3 or 4—who would not necessarily be religious believers.
They are chosen on the basis of what has been stated above, not
because they may be humanists, atheists or agnostics.
Care is taken that nothing will be said which
would gratuitously offend the beliefs of religious people, just
as equal care is taken that nothing will be said by "religious"
speakers that would gratuitously offend unbelievers.
30 November 2005
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