The Chair of the Sandford St Martin Trust, the Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Ripon, has expressed the Trust’s “deep alarm” at plans to privatise Channel 4.
The Trust looks to promote programmes in our media that are thought-provoking and distinctive and that engage with religion of all faiths, ethics and morality.
Bishop Helen-Ann said: “The Sandford St Martin Trust is deeply alarmed at the news that the government is pushing ahead with plans to privatise Channel 4.
“It is our belief that one of the many risks associated with privatisation would be the demise of religious and ethical content provision on the Channel.
“In its current form Channel 4 has reasonably successfully delivered on its remit to represent and make content relevant to the UK’s diverse faith communities but we believe there is still room for improvement.
“Channel 4 is responsible for the recent comedy series We Are Lady Parts as well as recent?Sandford St Martin Award winners such as?the drama?It’s a Sin?(SSM/Radio Times Readers’ Award winner, 2021) and Ramadan in Lockdown?(SSM Trustees Award, 2021) – content made for and by the communities represented.
“Renowned Channel 4 films such as For Sama?(SSM TV/Video Award?winner, 2020) and strands such as Dispatches and Unreported World have built Channel 4’s international reputation for journalism unafraid of exploring the impact of religion on politics, economics, and culture.
“If ever there has been a need for such a valued and valuable public service, the time is now.
“The Sandford St Martin Trust has long argued that to ignore religion is to leave a gaping hole at the heart of public service broadcasting.
“Because of its current remit Channel 4 has been at the frontline of promoting tolerance and understanding across a range of social differences.
“It must remain there.”