Protests as BBC announces end of popular religious programme + PETITION

Presenter Diane Jordan

News, announced last night, that BBC Radio 2 has decided to axe Sunday Half Hour, the popular evening programme of prayers, reflection and hymns, has been met with shock by many listeners.

The show which has been broadcast weekly for more than seventy years, is to be 'replaced' by a programme with a different name, that will be broadcast at 6 o'clock in the morning. It has been suggested that people unable to listen to this new show at this hour will be able to hear it later on the 'play again' facility. But, as one listener pointed out, not all Radio 2 listeners have this facility.

Author Leigh Hatts, who recently wrote the book: 'London's 100 Best Churches' said: "This is bad news for all the London churches which feature and those who listen every Sunday evening as part of their weekend routine."

He added: "Recently BBC Radio 3 was forced by public opinion to restore the Wednesday choral evensong.

"I shall be complaining to the BBC. It is no use in remaining silent about the continued sidelining of religion."

To listen to Sunday's programme, in which the announcement of the programme closure was made, see: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006wqyr

To join Leigh's campaign, and to read his comments on other issues see his blog: www.londons100bestchurches.co.uk/blog/

** A PETITION TO SAVE THE PROGRAMME HAS JUST BEEN STARTED HERE: 

www.ipetitions.com/petition/save-sunday-half-hour/