Words: Henry Yanney

In today’s society, it has become clear that CHOICE is the key word for all media consumers. When you turn on the television, there are hundreds of channels to choose from. Again, with analogue (and digital) radio, there are an abundance of stations that cater to the tastes and needs of a particular audience. But for Christians who may shunt the offers of mainstream TV and radio, the choices on offer can be seen as limited. With only a handful of TV and radio channels being dedicated to Christians, choice is not an issue but the content of what these mediums offer to people.

From looking at the programming on mainstream television and radio, it can be said that what is on offer does not cater to the Christian audience. With music videos {mosgoogle right} highlighting the violent world of today’s youth, reality programmes offering trashy material and even kids programming which degrade the minds of a five year old, never has there been a greater time for God fearing people to switch away from mainstream popular culture. But if we’re switching off trashy TV, what are we watching on the so-called  “God Channels”?

Indeed, there are channels which try to make strides to bring a range of programming to its audience. As Revelation TV offers programming on finance, daily news and current affairs, programming on God TV and Genesis TV aims to capture their audience with a mix of teaching and light-hearted humour for all ages, creating a balance which has proved successful. With the USA, Australia and other countries doing their part to bring a variety, it seems that the UK still needs to find its niche in capturing the widespread appeal of Christians.

Let it be known that what is NOT being asked is for a compromise of the Word. I believe it is important to keep the Scripture as true to the original as possible. But can more be done to help those who wish to find an alternative to mainstream television? Can the atmosphere of church quizzes be brought to the TV screen? Will modern adaptations of Bible stories transcend from theatre productions to broadcasting networks? As we strive to lead the purest lives possible, finding material on television that does not advocate sex, drugs and violence can do more to help Christians tune in instead of turning off.

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written by paula, March 06, 2008

Interesting article which grabbed my attention.

You’re right – sometimes, in trying to create an authentic alternative to the plethora of secular TV options, Christian TV can be guilty of ‘preaching to the choir’.

The reasons are complicated, sometimes it’s lack of financial resources, time or people power, but as servants of Kingdom, we believe it’s incredibly important that everything we do, should be done for the glory of God.

At UCB, through both TV and radio, we’re committed to providing interesting, lively, entertaining and spiritually nourishing content. We can’t say that we get it right all the time, but it is something we’re continually working toward, to provide Christian UK-based features, news, lifestyle programming and content which is original and appealing to people from all walks of life, whether they come from a church background or not.

AT UCB, we want to be able to provide something ‘clean in the air’, through our TV and radio programming – not just providing programmes for Christians, but for anyone who is exploring and wanting to get a better understanding of the Christian faith. We’d love to hear what you and your readers want to see on TV and hear on radio so if you have ideas, drop us a line at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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