What people believe matters. 

In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to be religiously literate. But the Media Bill which is currently before Parliament puts this core cultural and civic competency at risk by removing obligations for the UK's public service broadcasters to provide audiences with programmes exploring religion or belief. 
 
We believe to ignore religion is dangerous.  
 
Recent events around the world have made it ever more clear how religion and religious identity are prime motivators for individuals, communities and governments. What people believe informs political, economic, ethical and social behaviour. It inspires acts from the heinous to the heroic.   
  
Public service broadcasting because of its reach can and should support religious literacy.

Good programmes can help audiences understand how religion affects human affairs. They can raise awareness about diversity. They can challenge stereotypes and broaden our understanding of the world’s many rich cultures and traditions. 

Along with programmes about science, art, history, international affairs, programmes about what people believe are central to the media the UK public deserve.

The draft Media Bill brings many welcome changes to the current legislative framework for UK broadcasters but core public service genres - such as religious and ethical programming - are under threat if the Bill passes without amendment. 
  
This is why we are urging the Government to amend the draft of the Media Bill now, before it becomes law, to include protections for content exploring religion and belief. 
 
Because in the world today religious literacy and knowing what people believe matter more than ever before.  

#beliefmatters

 

Watch our film in which some of Manchester's faith leaders talk about the role broadcasting plays in building a better future for people of all faiths in their city.

 

 

 

Film by No Class for the Sandford St Martin Trust, a UK charity promoting thought-provoking, distinctive programming that engages with religion of all faiths, ethics or morality.

To find out more about our work visit www.sandfordawards.org.uk