BBC shakes up religious programming

THE BBC is to dispense with a dedicated commissioning editor for religious programmes following a decision to fund fewer independent productions as part of its drive to cut costs, writes Christopher Lamb.

Aaqil Ahmed will lose his position as commissioning editor for religion although he remains head of religion and ethics, which oversees in-house production of programmes such as Songs of Praise.

Under the changes, religion is to be grouped with history and come under a “specialist factual” section that includes science and business, which will be responsible for commissioning programmes from independent production companies. The move was announced as part of changes to the factual programmes commissioning team that will see a reduction in roles from eight and a half posts to six. Mr Ahmed will be able to apply for the new role leading the specialist section.