Holyrood Community School

‘Religion and the Media’ Coursework

a (i) ‘Describe the variety of specifically religious programmes on the four main television channels

a(ii) Analyse and explain the way in which a religious or moral issue has been dealt with in a television soap opera OR the national daily press

a(iii) Analyse and explain the way in which a religious theme of concern has been dealt with in a film or television drama

b) ‘Television always presents religious people as out of touch with the modern world.’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion, showing you have considered another point of view. Your answer should refer to specific television programmes.

a(i)

Describe the variety of specifically religious programmes on the four main television channels

There is quite a variety of religious programming on the 4 main television channels. There are lots of different types of programmes with religious content:

  1. ‘Magazine’ type shows- this involves lots of different parts- discussion, debate, songs, interviews, religious beliefs and moral issues. This type of programme has a variety of different things to watch/get involved with. I think that this is based at adults because of the complex language that were used. I think that theses types of programs are in touch with the modern world because they look at recent issues and they have lots of different content; at least some of which is going to be relevant to the modern day viewer.  An example of this type of show is “The Heaven and Earth show”. The episode that I watched discussed how Muslims living in the UK were sometimes discriminated against because of the views of extreme Muslims.  This type of show is lively and colourful, it allows people to send in text messages to voice their opinions. It would definitely appeal to teenagers and adults.
  1. Documentary type programmes- These types of programs really make you think about the issues being discussed. They involve lots of factual information but not opinion. This type of program is very interesting because of the pictures and different locations the camera crew travel to. It is aimed at teenagers and adults because it provides information about modern issues which are relevant. I don't think it is suitable for younger children because they may find it boring; they would not understand all of the factual content. I also think that these types of programs are in touch with the modern world because they deal with issues that are very recent. An example of this type of show is "Culture Clash" a documentary based on Muslims views. It showed a Muslim DJ who enjoyed clubbing, music, going out with his friends. H e travelled back to his country to meet all of his old friends in his home town. The programme shows how much things have changed- one of his best friends used to be really cool, always with the latest fashion- he returned to find him with his religion taking complete control of his life, he was now running a shop which sold extremist Muslim books.
Join now!
  1. Worship style - these types of shows are aimed at all people. They involve religious information, prayers and songs. People can really get involved with these types of programmes. I think that children would like the songs on the program as they could sing along to them. It is also suitable for teenagers; if they are part of that religion it may be very relevant to them. Elderly people would also enjoy this type of show. For example: if an elderly person was unable to attend church they could watch this show and feel like they were taking part ...

This is a preview of the whole essay