Petition: reform ‘Thought for the Day’
Problems with 'Thought for the Day':
The slot explicitly and without pretence discriminates against the non-religious – they are the only group in society barred from contributing.
People of all faiths and none can contribute important "thoughts" to the national dialogue – the implication that only religious people have special insight is insulting and based purely on religious privilege.
Putting such a prominent discussion slot within Radio 4's flagship news programme, but outside of that programme's editorial control means that there is no check on balance or right to reply when the slot is used for political or religious proselytizing.
Opening up Thought for the Day to non-theistic humanists (the slot is already open to theistic humanists) would be a welcome step. However the majority of non-religious or religiously unconcerned people do not identify as 'humanists'. Contributors should be picked completely without reference to their religious/non-religious identity.
This would also benefit potential contributors who happen to be religious, but don't want to force their thoughts on a specific issue into a religious frame.
Take action, sign the petition:
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How and why would you like to see the Thought for the Day slot reformed?
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Do you have any thoughts you’d like to share on BBC Radio 2’s ‘Pause for Thought’ slot or other religion/belief programming from the BBC?
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