Describe the Variety of specifically religious programmes on the main television channels:

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A (i): Describe the Variety of specifically religious programmes on the main television channels:

In my coursework I will investigate the relationship between Religion
and the media. I will also look at how religion is portrayed in
different types of programmes and will investigate whether TV influences what we think of religion.

The information that we receive is not always accurate because if there is someone talking about Christianity then it does not mean that they are telling the audience what all Christians believe but they could be telling what some or most Christians believe as in one religion there can be followers with a many different beliefs.

The same goes for any religion and if a person is giving an interview about a religion and does not belong to that religion it does not mean that it’s absolutely correct. These interviews can sometimes create a stereotypical idea of a religion in our minds and it is not correct to do this, yet it is justified that someone should have an idea of a religion but not necessarily have a stereotype.

Sometimes, the information can be reliable but not necessarily accurate because there can always be research carried out to find out more information that we have received. In certain television programmed there is also not enough time to go into too much detail and be able to know the whole information and so sometimes research does have to be carried out.

There are many types of television programmes aired on television especially on a Sunday this is probably because a Sunday is commonly known as a Worship day known for the Christians as the “Sabbath” and one of the very famous programmes aired on TV is called “Songs of praise” which is shown on ITV in BBC1.

Worship programmes are shown regularly on many channels such as Morning worship is shown at 8.10 am. This programme mainly shows a service exploring the theme of contentment from High fields Church in Cardiff, led by Rev Peter Baker. The programme also includes Readings: Psalm 34:4-18 and Philippians 4:8-20. This programme is a Christian programme but is not only aimed at the followers of Christianity but those who like to explore religions in detail and are always keen to learn new things.

A very good example of a religious discussion programme is “The Big Questions”. It airs on BBC1 at 10.00 am. In this programme Nicky Campbell presents a topical debate from Michaelston Community College in Cardiff. There are usually three main questions that are focused on such as on e.g.:

  • Should parents teach children that sex is wrong?

To answer this question Nicky Campbell who is the host will first introduce the question further and also talk about a few points from an opposing argument as well as a supporting one. The question will then be open to the audience accompanying him and they will have the chance to express their views. The people giving the views will be parents and teachers, so the people that have different views to do with the question.

  • Do we place too much value on appearance?

When the previous question has been answered then the second question is introduced and gone through the same procedure.

  • Should we have a right to privacy?

Then finally the last question is introduced, also gone through the same procedure. When answering the question not the same people are asked to answer the question because it is encouraged to have a vast variety of different views and so many people are asked to answer the question.

This people on the 1.03.2009 discussed different views taken from the audience surrounding Nicky Campbell and there are also special guests such as doctors or teachers and people who have personally been involved in something linked to these questions. This programme does not only cover religious issues but moral issues as well. It would mainly appeal to 15 years and plus age group because it is also very educational, also because the audience gets involved usually the viewer gets involved as well.

Religious documentaries can last from one to one and a half hours and are shown on BBC2 in Channel 4. A very good documentary that we recently watched was Everyman this covered the topic of Death Row very effectively. We had Sister Helen always talking about all the things that she witnessed and how her feelings were at that time. We were also shown the work she did and the people she worked with. We are shown that despite being a Christian and sister what kind of views she has. This programme was very informative and every age group above 16 would be attracted to this as it is so interesting. The programme is also very emotional and there is a sympathy that you can feel for them as well.


“Songs of Praise” is a worship programme. Worship programmes are the
longest running type of specifically religious programme. Most worship
programmes are to do with the Christian faith and contains hymns,
sermons, readings from The Bible and interviews.

“Songs of praise” comes on at BBC 1 at around 5.00 pm. The programme that I watched was on the 6th June.2009.

The programme is about The Church and covers certain ones in each episode in this case the church in central London was covered we are not only shown hymns throughout the programme but gain general knowledge about Trafalgar square in the heart of London. We learn about the reasons for certain statues being there, and about some other architectural master pieces around there.

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At intervals there are different people singing – first it was local people and then it went to the Choir singing which repeat after some information in the programme has been given, all the campaigns that have and are being held in the square and the previous protests that were carried out. It also tells about the of Christians that were involved and how some things carried out relate to the actions of Christ.

It is mainly aimed at Christians but other people can watch it since it contains interviews and history about places. People would like it because it ...

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