Channel 4 defends decision to air Islamic call to prayer throughout Ramadan

Executive Ralph Lee said broadcast was “a deliberate ‘provocation’ to all our viewers in the very real sense of the word”

Channel 4 executive Ralph Lee has strongly defended the decision to air the Islamic call to prayer (adhan) throughout Ramadan.

The head of factual programming insisted that the broadcast fulfils part of the channel‘s remit to give a “voice to the under-represented” - but also recognises a religion that is “flourishing”.

Writing in the Radio Times, Lee said: “No doubt Channel 4 will be criticised for focusing attention on a ‘minority’ religion but that’s what we’re here to do – provide space for the alternative and a voice to the under-represented.

“And let’s not forget that Islam is one of the few religions that’s flourishing, actually increasing in the UK. Like Channel 4’s target audience, its followers are young. It’s recently been reported that half of British Muslims are under 25.”

Channel 4 will broadcast calls to prayer throughout the fasting month of Ramadan, which begins on Tuesday 9 July. The adhan will also be available online.

Lee described the broadcast, a first for a terrestrial channel as “a nationwide tannoy system, a deliberate ‘provocation’ to all our viewers in the very real sense of the word”.

He went on to compare levels of participation in Ramadan in the UK with levels of media interest in other, more traditional occasions.

“Nearly five per cent of the country will actively engage in Ramadan this month – can we say the same of other national events that have received blanket coverage on television such as the Queen’s coronation anniversary?” he added.

Channel 4 has, however, reportedly been told to keep coverage “in proportion”.

The Independent quotes Terry Sanderson, President of the National Secular Society, as saying: “I wouldn’t object to it as at least it gives some balance to the BBC’s emphasis on Christianity but Channel 4 has to keep it in proportion.

“The percentage of Muslims in the UK is very small so few people will be interested in it. It may be a novelty and Channel 4 is good at causing a sensation. We don’t want to see any broadcaster becoming a platform for religious proselytising.”

Channel 4’s commitment was welcomed by the Muslim Council of Britain.

A spokesman said: “This is a very special month for Muslims and its recognition on a mainstream channel is not only symbolic for belonging and solidarity but will hopefully help to portray a more realistic account of Islam and Muslims.”

Channel 4 said the prayer will be transmitted “directly into British living rooms at the exact time Muslims prepare for their first prayers and as they begin their fast every morning during Ramadan.”

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