Viewers believe the BBC treats Christianity unfairly in comparison to other religions, the broadcaster’s own research has found.
According to a survey conducted by the BBC, viewers say that the
corporation has a politically “left-wing" or “liberal bias” and that
more minority religions are better represented than Christianity.
“In terms of religion, there were many who perceived the BBC to be
anti-Christian and as such misrepresenting Christianity,” the BBC report
states.
The report, based on a poll of 4,500 people and including BBC staff,
is part of the broadcaster’s “Diversity Strategy”, a service to meet
BBC’s responsibility to both the Royal Charter and the Equality Act
2010.
It notes from the results: “Christians are specifically mentioned as
being badly treated, with a suggestion that more minority religions are
better represented despite Christianity being the most widely observed
religion within Britain.”
Some viewers said that Christians were treated with “derogatory
stereotypes” which ended up portraying them as “weak” or “bigoted”.
One respondent said, “As a Christian I find that the BBC's
representation of Christianity is mainly inaccurate, portraying
incorrect, often derogatory stereotypes.”
Another person agreed and added, “Seldom do we find a Christian
portrayed in drama, and when we do, it is usually a 'weak' person or a
‘bigot'.”
In 2005, the BBC drew wide complaints from Christian groups when it
aired “Jerry Springer: The Opera”, a British musical based on the
popular show “The Jerry Springer Show”, which is known for its
irreverent treatment of Judeo-Christian themes. It received the most
complaints in television history.
In response to the report’s conclusion, a BBC spokesman said, “We
have strict editorial guidelines on impartiality, including religious
perspectives, and Christian programming forms the majority and the
cornerstone of our religion and ethical output.”