UK: Islamic Call To Prayer To Be Broadcast On Channel 4 Every Day During Ramadan

Channel 4 defends decision to air call to prayer every day during ramadan in the UK

 The head of factual programming insisted that the broadcast fulfils part of the channel's remit to give a "voice to the under-represented" - but also recognises a religion that is "flourishing".     
Writing in the Radio Times, Lee said: "No doubt Channel 4 will be criticised for focusing attention on a 'minority' religion but that’s what we’re here to do – provide space for the alternative and a voice to the under-represented.

"And let’s not forget that Islam is one of the few religions that’s flourishing, actually increasing in the UK. Like Channel 4’s target audience, its followers are young. It’s recently been reported that half of British Muslims are under 25."Channel 4 will broadcast calls to prayer throughout the fasting month of Ramadan, which begins on Tuesday 9 July. The adhan will also be available online.

Lee described the broadcast, a first for a terrestrial channel as "a nationwide tannoy system, a deliberate 'provocation' to all our viewers in the very real sense of the word".

He went on to compare levels of participation in Ramadan in the UK with levels of media interest in other, more traditional occasions.

"Nearly five per cent of the country will actively engage in Ramadan this month – can we say the same of other national events that have received blanket coverage on television such as the Queen’s coronation anniversary?" he added.Channel 4 has, however, reportedly been told to keep coverage "in proportion"

The Independent quotes Terry Sanderson, President of the National Secular Society, as saying: “I wouldn’t object to it as at least it gives some balance to the BBC’s emphasis on Christianity but Channel 4 has to keep it in proportion.

“The percentage of Muslims in the UK is very small so few people will be interested in it. It may be a novelty and Channel 4 is good at causing a sensation. We don’t want to see any broadcaster becoming a platform for religious proselytising.”