Following the October 2017 review by Ofcom—the official regulator of Great Britain’s communications media—ordering the BBC to offer more religious programming, the BBC conducted its own yearlong review that found that people of all faiths were “often absent, poorly represented or satirized” in its news coverage.
The result was the BBC’s December announcement of a variety of improvements, including more religious themes in its popular dramas on TV and radio, more documentaries covering religious and ethical issues, and more coverage of celebrations of Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu and Christian holy days.
Tony Hall, director general of the BBC, said the new plans “will ensure the BBC better reflects the UK, the world and the role that religion plays in everyday life. They will also raise understanding of the impact religion has on decisions made at home and abroad.”
The review involved consultations of more than 150 experts and faith leaders including the Archbishop of Canterbury, the chief rabbi, and senior Muslim figures, as well as groups such as Humanists UK.
Those consulted complained that mainstream drama and comedy programs do not reflect the everyday role of faith or the diversity of communities.
