BBC criticised for being ‘too Christian’

The BBC’s religious output is too Christian and should include more Muslim, Sikh and Hindu programming, an internal report has concluded.

Aaqil Ahmed, head of religion and ethics, compiled the report after non-Christians told him they felt the broadcaster’s religious content was disproportionately Christian. The BBC director-general, Tony Hall, is said to be considering Mr Ahmed’s review.

Fr Christopher Jamison, former abbot at Worth Abbey, who was involved in the series The Monastery and The Big Silence, said he was puzzled by the report.  “I think the BBC’s religious output on television does reflect diversity,”   he added.

Fr Jamison speculated that the review could be about radio coverage of Christian services, for example at Christmas and Easter. Were this to include other faiths, he pointed out, there would be practical implications.

“There is an element of performance inherent to Christian liturgies that takes well to radio,” he said. “Muslim prayer is much less about performance, or aesthetic appeal. I can see a problem with the accessibility of broadcasting non-Christian worship.”

In a statement Mr Ahmed said: “We do look at the number of hours we produce, and measure that against the religious make-up of society. We also carry out checks to give us a better understanding of how we represent the different faiths across the various BBC channels and services.

“Christianity remains the cornerstone of our output and there are more hours dedicated to it than there are to other faiths. Our output in this area is not static, though. It has evolved over the years and we regularly assess it.”

Muslim critics have suggested that the BBC could televise Friday prayers, cover Eid festivities or show children attending madrasas.

The former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey gave the prospect of increased coverage of other faiths a “guarded welcome”­ but added: “I don’t think our liberal establishment appreciates what Christianity has done for the nation, and how much of a bedrock it is for democracy and the values we believe in.”

The BBC said: “The BBC is committed to delivering a range of content that both reflects, celebrates and challenges religion and ethics across BBC TV, radio and online.”

Mr Ahmed, who is a Muslim, was appointed head of religion and ethics at the BBC in 2009.