Thought for the Day - Whose thought?

In response to New Humanists "Urgent - Lobby the BBC"

to: feedback@bbc.co.uk

Re: Thought for the Day - Whose thought?
Columnist and broadcaster Joan Bakewell argues that the Thought for the Day slot on Radio 4's Today programme should be opened up to a wider variety of speakers, some of whom are not signed-up members of a major religion." http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/factual/feedback.shtml

Sir,
I agree with Joan Bakewell when she argues that the Thought for the Day slot on Radio 4's Today programme should be opened up to a wider variety of speakers, some of whom are not signed-up members of a major religion. A November 2006 Ipsos MORI Poll http://www.humanism.org.uk/site/cms/newsarticleview.asp?article=2288 has shown that 36% people - equivalent to around 17 million adults - are in fact humanists in their basic outlook. They:

- feel scientific & other evidence provides the best way to understand the universe (rather than feeling that religious beliefs are needed for a 'complete understanding')

- believe that 'right and wrong' can be explained by human nature alone, and does not necessarily require religious teachings, and

- base their judgments of right and wrong on 'the effects on people and the consequences for society and the world'.


Chris Street,
Dorset Humanist Association
www.dorsethumanists.co.uk

Affiliated to the British Humanist Association
www.humanism.org.uk

Urgent- Lobby the BBC

23 Mar 07 -- support Joan Bakewell's call for secularists on Thought For The Day
For years the humanist and secular movement have been asking the BBC why only religious speakers are allowed to monopolise this programme. However, our requests have been stubbornly ignored. A fresh opportunity has unexpectedly opened up for us to get this unfair, illogical ban removed. Today (23rd March) Joan Bakewell, on the Radio 4 "Feedback" programme, made a powerful plea for non-religious people to be included, saying that we have thoughtful, important things to say on the ethical issues that the programme addresses. The presenter, Roger Bolton, gave his usual invitation for comments.

You can hear the programme on the "Feedback" page on the main BBC website.

You can also send an e-mail direct from their page. I have, of course, sent mine. Please do the same urgently. This is a real chance to confront the intransigence we have met so far - and to provide a counter-voice to contributors like the unspeakable Ann Atkins who last year used the slot to say that "people who don't believe in the existence of Jesus are as daft as fried eggs"!!

You can also phone "Feedback" on 0870 803 4544 or write to FEEDBACK, PO BOX 2000. London W1A 1QT.

[Thanks to John White]

reposted from: new humanist
my: highlights / emphasis / key points / comments