Frenzied boycott calls begin after 'deliberate provocation' from Channel 4 Islam decision
It's a move designed to provoke, and provoke it has. The announcement from Channel 4 on Tuesday that the channel will broadcast the Muslim call to prayer live every morning during the month of Ramadan in an act of "deliberate provocation" sent Twitter into a frenzy.The controversial move is designed to challenge the view that Islam is linked to terrorism and extremism and the station defended the move, with head of factual programming Ralph Lee saying there was a "pressing need" in the aftermath of the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich to "give a voice to the moderate mainstream majority".It's a bold move from Channel 4 and the provocation is already having the desired effect.
Announcement: The broadcasts will take place throughout Ramadan
Well thats channel 4 banned from my tele
— Robert Holder (@Robert_A_Holder) July 2, 2013In the present climate to air the Azan on channel 4 is a bad idea the only thing it will provoke is hate #youarenothelpingus#publicitystunt
— zakkia (@kiiki93) July 2, 2013#sunramadan it's totally wrong and I will never watch channel 4 again
— leanne warren (@lea79warren) July 2, 2013Channel 4 saying it will do the islamic call prayer every morning. Durin the month of ramadan!!! Is this country for real #jokeengland
— mike baker MBE (@mike_baker2) July 2, 2013Let be clear I am a secular person I just think channel 4 are attempting to exploit peoples faith to there own ends nothing more its crass
— matthew fearon (@postalmatt) July 2, 2013disgusted as to what i've just read about channel 4 screening a muslim call to prayer every morning during ramadan..
— Andrew Haggon (@AHaggon) July 2, 2013Are you mad @Channel4? With things as they are currently you decide to do THIS. I find it highly offensive & provocative #BoycottChannel4
— Paula (@XxPLWxX) July 2, 2013Channel 4 trending worldwide. Lets make sure #BoycottC4 also trends.
— RightSideNews (@_NewseXtra) July 2, 2013Tbh I disagree with what Channel 4 are doing and that's not a racist remark, no religion should be influenced on us as a population
— Vang (@vangsav) July 2, 2013However, many Twitter users had a different perspective on the news.Angry/upset about @Channel4 racism? Take 5 minutes today to complain to @UKPCC as well as write to your MP.
— RightSideNews (@_NewseXtra) July 2, 2013@EbbaQ I know, and hatsoff to channel 4 for deciding to do it, knowing that they will face a backlash from extremist groups!
— Señor Goalmez ❤ (@KhushAzaad) July 2, 2013I really don't see why the BBC can broadcast Songs of Praise, but Channel 4 shouldn't broadcast a call to prayer during Ramadan.
— Erin Bunce (@catchupcastiel) July 2, 2013Really impressed by Channel 4’s airing of the Muslim Call to Prayer during Ramadan. It’s brave and the usual suspects will complain.
— John Collins (@johnco) July 2, 2013Big up Channel 4 for broadcasting the Muslim call to prayer during Ramadan. This actions speak louder than any other....
— Amila (@AM1LL10N) July 2, 2013Those angry at @Channel4 airing the call to prayer during Ramadan - it'll be at 2.30am so shouldn't interrupt your viewing pleasure too much
— Osama Saeed (@OsamaSaeed) July 2, 2013I think it's great that Channel 4 are televising the Azaan (call to prayer) during Ramadan.
— Zen Laila Ishaq (@ZenLaila) July 2, 2013Just read a article about channel 4 doin the Muslim prays are people seriously moaning its on at 3 am and on for 3 mins get a life people
— lee nelson (@Iamleenelson) July 2, 2013According to The Sun, Channel 4 celebrating Ramadan will inflame tension in the wake of the killing of Lee Rigby. Shameless Islamaphobia
— Graeme Anderson (@GraemeEAnderson) July 2, 2013
Content created with:
Channel Four Television Corporation
Find out more