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31/07/2015

Roger Bolton explores religious broadcasting on radio. As the UK becomes more spiritually diverse and increasingly secular, how should the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ approach religious news and worship?

Roger Bolton explores religious broadcasting on radio. As the UK becomes more spiritually diverse and increasingly secular, how should the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ approach religious news and worship?

Since its birth in the 1920s, the Corporation has always produced religious content, with programmes focussed primarily on Christian worship during the early days. Ninety years later, the religious makeup of the country is far more diverse and complex, so is the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ keeping up with the times when it comes to spiritual matters? We ask listeners whether they think religion still has a place on the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ, and how a national broadcaster should reflect faith and worship across different religions.

For some Feedback listeners, religious output is extremely important - for others, it is outdated and inappropriate. Roger discusses these views with Religious Affairs correspondent Caroline Wyatt, Editor for Religion and Ethics in Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Regions, Ashley Peatfield, and Head of Radio for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Religion and Ethics, Christine Morgan.

The subject of Religion is not just confined to specialist programming. Outside of people's personal worship, religion plays a significant role in social and political affairs both on the international and domestic stage. So how well does the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ tackle religion when it comes to news and current affairs?

Islam is the fastest growing religion in the UK, but while coverage and debate around the Islamic faith is fairly common on Radio 4, Muslim worship is rarely heard. So how well does wider Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio serve its Muslim listeners? Feedback visits Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Sheffield, which runs Ramadan programmes during the Holy month.

Producer: Karen Pirie
A Whistledown production for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4.

Available now

28 minutes

Last on

Sun 2 Aug 2015 20:00

Broadcasts

  • Fri 31 Jul 2015 16:30
  • Sun 2 Aug 2015 20:00

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