BBC Charter Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate

Lord Bishop of Leeds

Main Page: Lord Bishop of Leeds (Bishops - Bishops)

BBC Charter

Lord Bishop of Leeds Excerpts
Thursday 10th March 2016

(8 years, 3 months ago)

Lords Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text
Lord Bishop of Leeds Portrait The Lord Bishop of Leeds
- Hansard - -

My Lords, the BBC has three core purposes: to inform, to educate and to entertain. Will the Minister comment on a fourth purpose, which is to interpret? Diversity has been perceived in terms of regional diversity when one could also say that ethnic and religious diversity in the country need to be taken more seriously. Religion is a primary motivator of individuals and communities, inspiring and informing their political, economic, ethical and social behaviour. It needs to be interpreted. What the world looks like when seen through a particular religious lens needs to be taken more seriously. In July 2015, Ofcom expressed concern about the diminution of attention to religion in the BBC. Can the Minister assure us that this will be taken more seriously in the charter renewal?