B.B.C. RELATIONS – THE BENEFIT OF CALEB
Rev Eric McComb, one of our council members writes.... 
For many years, evangelicals outside of what are commonly referred to as ‘the main denominations,’ have had little or no opportunity to make a significant contribution on the B.B.C. Caleb has endeavoured to address this unacceptable bias toward its constituency, and represent to the B.B.C. those who feel marginalised and even positively discriminated against. It is very heartening to report that while we have not achieved all our targets, nevertheless evangelicals now have an added voice on such programmes as Thought for the Day, Sunday Sequence, not to mention a special Sunday Evening programme presented during the summer season by Vi Dawson. Following a recent meeting, consideration is being given to further names from our churches as Thought for the day contributors. There are now a number of designated Sunday Morning broadcast services from churches represented by Caleb.
While we are grateful for the recognition of our rights, nevertheless we continue to make representation on issues where the positions held by the B.B.C. are in complete opposition to the beliefs of Caleb and evangelical Christians. One example was the Jerry Springer debacle where they acted not only contrary to their own charter, but did so in a blatant manner. On this occasion, they refused to withdraw a blasphemous production, which was offensive to thousands of evangelicals. In Caleb, we are grateful to Almighty God for the smile of His favour upon our efforts, to act as salt and light in our society. We leave the outcome in His hands.
Eric McComb
Caleb/BBC Meeting Report
As part of our on-going commitment to interact with the BBC Religious Affairs Department, four members of the council met at the BBC on Thursday 12th January 2006. Present were Eric McComb, George Dawson MLA, Wallace Thompson & Robert McEvoy. (Gareth Burke was unable to attend and sent apologies) The BBC was represented by Bert Tosh and Martin O Brien. There were four distinct areas of discussion.
1) Sunday Programming. There is an ongoing review of Sunday programming. Caleb encouraged BBC to continue with a programme aimed at the evangelical audience, and suggested a more appropriate time-slot, eg. 5pm or 9pm. The producers agreed to make our opinion known to the BBC authorities.
2) Sunday Sequence. Caleb raised three issues.
a. Sunday Sequence is dealing with issues that are irrelevant to most of the NI public. BBC agreed that Caleb could suggest issues for debate. The line of contact should be between RM and M O'Brien. Council members should be alert to developing issues, and contact RM asap.
b. Caleb noted that contributors have shifted distinctly to the left. The BBC would like a list of persons from the evangelical community who are qualified to comment on current issues. If you would like to suggest names and appropriate areas of expertise, then we can compile a list of appropriate people. Contact R McEvoy.
c. Caleb complained about Wm Crawley in the strongest possible terms. We are unhappy with Mr. Crawley's attitude to evangelicals, and we note that he often moves from interviewing to commentating, and in fact becomes a contributor on his own programme. BBC agreed to keep a careful eye on this.
3) Thought for the Day. Caleb asked for more evangelical contributors and further training sessions. BBC agreed, although in response to our request for more local input, they said that the Enniskillen & Ballymena Studios are not suitable for pre-recorded input, and contributors need to come to Belfast. We need suggestions for names please. Men and women welcome - but MUST be soundly evangelical and able to construct a message which will present a clear gospel message, yet remain within the BBC's guidelines. These names will be submitted to Bert Tosh by myself, and we will then arrange training days. There are no guarantees as to who will be eventually put on air, as much depends on voice quality etc. but ring me if you help!
4) Sunday Service. Caleb asked that a Studio Service should be made available to us, and we suggested a suitable name. The BBC agreed to give this serious consideration.
Please give these matters your very careful and prayerful consideration!