Today the BBC is publishing the outcome of its review of its religion and belief output. Humanists UK fed into the review, meeting several times with relevant officials, and has expressed its dismay at the outcome, which proposes more coverage of religion without anything approaching equal coverage of humanist beliefs.
Humanists UK’s Chief Executive Andrew Copson commented, ‘In the past the BBC’s religion and belief output, including Thought for the Day, has focused exclusively on organised religion and has failed to reflect the reality of religion and belief in the UK today. As a result this programming has been increasingly out of touch. Disappointingly, while this review emphasises the need to better reflect diversity within religion, it still has not fully woken up to the need for equal inclusion of humanist beliefs.
‘It is vital that the full diversity of religious and humanist beliefs are taken into account and accurately reflected across the BBC’s programming about religion and belief. A majority of BBC licence fee payers, listeners, and viewers are not religious and our beliefs deserve coverage, explanation, and exploration. Any move in the direction of recognition of our diverse society is welcome.’
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For further comment or information, please contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at richy@humanists.uk or on 020 3675 0959.
Read more about Humanists UK’s campaign work on broadcasting: https://humanists.uk/campaigns/human-rights-and-equality/broadcasting/
At Humanists UK, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. Our work brings non-religious people together to develop their own views, helping people be happier and more fulfilled in the one life we have. Through our ceremonies, education services, and community and campaigning work, we strive to create a fair and equal society for all.
Humanists UK recently changed its name from the British Humanist Association: https://humanists.uk/2017/05/22/bha-becomes-humanists-uk/