BBC urged to appoint religion editor

The Church Of England has called on the BBC to appoint a dedicated religion editor to become a "trusted guide" on all matters of faith.

In a submission to the BBC Trust's consultation on Radio 3, Radio 4 and Radio 7, Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch backed a suggestion by Roger Bolton, host of Radio 4's Feedback programme, that BBC News should have an editor for religious matters, as it does for business, politics, arts and science.

McCulloch praised the current level of religious output on the BBC and welcomed the corporation's commitment to radio services that explore "ethical and religious themes", reports The Guardian.

He said that the BBC radio stations "broadcast an unparalleled range and depth of religious programming which deserves grateful acknowledgement by all those concerned with increasing mutual understanding between people of all faiths and none".

However, McCulloch feels that the appointment of a dedicated religious editor would bring "greater co-ordination" across the corporation's religious output.

"There has been at least one public call for the BBC to appoint a religion editor to reflect the importance of religious literacy to any proper understanding of today's world," he said.

"We echo that call, which would provide a recognised expert to bring greater co-ordination and depth to the corporation's religious output across all channels.

"We see no logical distinction between the genre of arts, science and business - all of which include reflecting and discerning between different opinions and perspectives, and have BBC editors - and that of religion - the landscape of which likewise demands a 'trusted guide' for both internal and external stakeholders.

"We urge the Trust and executive to give serious consideration to this proposal; one that is intended as much for the benefit of people of no particular faith as for those of faith."

The Trust's review of Radio 3, Radio 4 and Radio 7 comes to a close on Thursday.