‘My Favourite Hymns’ (11:00-12:00 am ITV1 Sun) is another worship programme. One programme contained an interview with Toyah Wilcox a celebrity, and then goes to some hymn singing and then back to the interview. The programme was largely made of interview and is specifically religious however interview questions are wide ranging. The programme is similar to ‘Songs of Praise’ with both interviews and hymn singing however Songs of Praise does not have in depth interviews, looking at a range of issues.
‘The Heaven and Earth Show’ (10am-11am BBC1 Sun) is a magazine style programme looking at a range of current and relevant issues e.g. James Bond new film, with studio discussions and phone ins (interacting with audiences-opinions/responses). One particular programme looked at whether Myra Hindley should be forgiven (given a second chance) or if she had redeemed herself, because the issue of forgiveness is associated with Christianity and it also relates to Jesus dieing to save us from the punishment human sin deserves. People were interviewed in the city of Manchester on their opinion so that a more varied view could be found.
‘Moses’ (Sun, 1 Dec, 20:00pm BBC1) and ‘Faith in Fashion’ (Thu, 5 Dec, BBC1, 23:45-0005) are both documentaries. Faith in Fashion came during Eid ul Fitr looking at how Muslims who are expected to keep to discipline can also keep up with Fashion. Different opinions were given on the Hijab a headscarf and different ways of wearing it were also shown. Jeremy Bowen who is a respected Middle East correspondent presents ‘Moses’. ‘Moses’ questions whether the bible story is real, looking at historical evidence.
There is a fairly low percentage of religious television on the four main channels, as they do not attract many people. Religious programmes are generally devoted to a Sunday because it is a holy day for Christians when they rest from work. Worship programmes in particular coincide with Christians going to church because the target audience is the vaguely religious who only got to church on a special festival e.g. Christmas, or those who are unable to go to church wanting to participate in hymn singing at home. The TV channels have made a commitment to broadcast religious programmes in a God-slot, which is a designated time only for religious programmes. As some religious programmes do not attract mass audiences they cannot be broadcasted in peak times (between 8-10pm) and in order to fulfil the commitment the programmes are put on late at night after 11pm e.g. signed version of Songs of Praise because there are not many people who will watch the programme.
All these programs have a particular audience of a certain age or religion because it is these people the program is aimed at and will appeal most to. Worship programs coincide with Christians going to church and therefore the target audience is the vaguely religious or those who are unable to attend church because they may be ill or with children etc. The religious programmes meet the needs of these people. The target audience e.g. in Songs of Praise is the vaguely religious because the program may interest people wanting to find out about the local history of Blackburn. Some people may not enjoy the worship programme even if they are religious because the hymns may not be of their choice. On the other hand people who are not religious may like the programme because they might like listening to the hymns or might like the spirit at that time of year. In ‘The Heaven and Earth Show’ During Diwali, Hindu deities were shown and they were also shown during Christmas because many Hindu’s exchange presents too. This shows that other religions are also involved. I don’t think that the debates and discussions are only for the younger generation as a range of different ages were asked their opinion and the people interviewed in the studio were adults. The Heaven and Earth Show looks at current issues and therefore a wider audience are attracted.
Faith in Fashion would not only attract Muslims but also people interested in fashion. Whereas ‘Moses’ would attract people interested in the archaeology of Egypt as well as Muslims, Christians, and Jews because it is a story in their holy books. Therefore this programme came in the peak viewing time between 8-10pm. The four main channels must continue airing religious programmes because there are many people who are interested in them and the peak audience should not always be targeted, as the needs of everyone should be met.
Many of the questions in My Favourite Hymns are related to Christianity as it looks at how Toyah Wilcox had a relationship with God once she was christened. All worship type programs (Church services) are aimed at Christians because the majority of the population of the UK is Christian and therefore there is a greater audience. The BBC is meant to educate the nation and they may need to show programmes of other religions in order to give a greater variety of religious programmes on the channel. A variety of programmes are shown during festivals of the major religions and therefore there is a variety however in my opinion more is required during other times. ‘The Heaven and Earth show’ only interviewed white people; this may be because they were believed to be Christians however there are black people who are Christians. I think a range of people from different background; races and cultures should have been interviewed to give a more varied opinion on the issue.
