The British Humanist Association (BHA) has today welcomed the appointment of Aaqil Ahmed to Head of Religion and Ethics and Commissioning Editor for Religion TV at the BBC.
Andrew Copson, BHA Director of Education and Public Affairs, said, ‘Aaqil Ahmed’s track record at Channel 4 shows he is not afraid to commission controversial and critical programmes when it comes to religion, and this is to be welcomed. BHA Vice President Richard Dawkins’ programmes Enemies of Reason and The Root of All Evil were both commissioned during Mr Ahmed’s time at Channel 4 and we look forward to similar programming at the BBC, which will not shy away from representing the views of humanists, rationalists and other non-religious people when it comes to religion.’
‘The BBC’s Charter also mandates it to reflect non-religious beliefs, including Humanism, in its broadcasting and we look forward to working with Aaqil Ahmed in his new post on this issue.’
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For further comment or information, contact Andrew Copson on 020 3675 0959.
The British Humanist Association is the national charity representing and supporting the interests of ethically concerned, non-religious people in the UK. It is the largest organisation in the UK campaigning for an end to religious privilege and to discrimination based on religion or belief, and for a secular state.