"Idea of the Day" a proposal for Dorset Humanists & other humanists to give a non religious "Thought for the Day"

I propose to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the first humanist "Thought for the Day" on BBC Radio 4 Today programme.

In this two-and-a-half minute slot on 14th August 2002, Humanist Professor Richard Dawkins from Oxford University, argued science gave a better explanation of life than religion.

British Humanist Association advise that The Humanist Society of Scotland (HSS) thinkhumanist.org broadcast their first "Thought for the Day" on 12th February 2007 (Darwin Day) with Prof. AC Grayling whose thought was about tolerance in society. Following the launch week, the HSS will invite humanists from around the world to podcast on the site, so there is always an alternative to the BBC's Thought for the Day for non-religious thinkers.

"Idea of the Day" - Four proposals

On 26th November 2006 an Ipsos MORI poll has shown that 36% of UK people – equivalent to around 17 million adults – are in fact humanists in their basic outlook.

Firstly, I propose that a two-and-a-half minute talk on the Today programme by a humanist be called "Idea of the Day" to distinguish these talks from the religious "Thought for the Day"

Secondly, I propose that for five days commencing 14th August 2007 a member of Dorset Humanist Association give their two-and-a-half minute "Idea of the Day" to be broadcast on dorsethumanists.co.uk

Thirdly, I propose that BBC Radio 4 Today programme introduce a two-and-a-half minute humanist "Idea of the Day" at 8.50am, one hour after the religious "Thought for the Day", commencing 14th August 2007.

Fourthly, I propose to invite the BBC to broadcast my two-and-a-half minute humanist "Idea of the Day" on BBC Radio 4 Today programme at 8.50am on Tuesday 14th August 2007, IF, AND ONLY IF, four other humanists (via Pledgebank.com) are also invited to give their "Idea of the Day" that week.

Radio 4 "Thought for the Day" Policy
Radio 4's policy of not including non-religious contributors has been heavily criticised - leading to more than 100 public figures demanding the "ban" be lifted.

However, Prof Dawkins's broadcast did not replace the regular daily slot but ran an hour afterwards as an unofficial "Thought".

Christine Morgan, who produces the series, said the official "Thought" would remain closed to non-religious voices.

She told the Today programme: "This short strand is unique, offering a faith perspective within a news programme.

"If we include secular voices, we undermine the slot's very distinctiveness."