Law and Magic Blog

BBC Rejects Calls To Open Up "Thought For the Day" To Non-Religious Commentators

The BBC Trust has decided not to open up its six-day-a-week segment Thought for the Day, broadcast on Radio 4, to non-regilious commentators, as requested by humanist, secular and atheist organizations. However, it has agreed to handle complaints about content of the program in a different way, apparently acknowledging that management has been somewhat insensitive. The Trust is maintaining its position that content for the Thought for the Day program is a matter of editorial discretion, and is intended as religious programming, not merely commentary. However, the committee examining the question noted that when commentary extends to issues of the day "from a faith perspective , the BBC runs a risk that a Thought for the Day contributor might go beyond reflection – in colloquial terms, stepping out of the pulpit and on to a soapbox".

BBC May Open "Thought For the Day" Segment To Secular and Humanist Speakers

The BBC, which sponsors a "Thought For the Day" segment on its Radio 4, is looking into opening up that slot to "secular and humanist points of view," according to a story in yesterday's Guardian. Feedback to the BBC suggests that a substantial number of listeners think "Thought For the Day" should be philosophical or ethical rather than religious, particularly since a similar segment, "Prayer For the Day," contains religious content.

The BBC is funded by an annual tax (license) on all televisions in the country.