Article Added On: January 16, 2005 - over 7 years ago
Title: Springer protests pour in to BBC
Author: Mayumi Futamura
Publication Date: January 01, 2005 - over 7 years ago
Faith Groups: Evangelical Christian
Themes: religion in the media

Abstract: Hundreds of conservative Christians gathered to protest the BBC airing of Jerry Springer-The Opera on Jan. 8th outside BBC buildings before and during the broadcast on BBC Two. The BBC news reported it received 50,000 complaints about the show, including unpleasant calls and threats to the executives.

Hundreds of conservative Christians gathered to protest the BBC airing of Jerry Springer-The Opera on Jan. 8th outside BBC buildings before and during the broadcast on BBC Two. The BBC news reported it received 50,000 complaints about the show, including unpleasant calls and threats to the executives.

Jerry Springer -The Opera is an award-winning show that has been running for two years in theatres in the UK. The show contains a large amount of swear words and tap-dancers dressed as Ku Klux Klan members. Some Christians say it\'s blasphemous because it features a diaper-wearing Jesus, and a swearing match between Jesus and the Devil.

Prior to air the musical, the BBC has received more than 15,000 complaints. But the corporation vowed to press ahead with uncut broadcast that was filmed at the Cambridge Theatre, London.

The BBC responded to complaints by saying, \"As a public service broadcaster, it is the BBC\'s role to broadcast a range of programmes that will appeal to all audiences, with very differing tastes and interests, present in the UK today.\"

The BBC News reported that about 150 protesters gatered outside BBC Television Centre, about 30 people outside BBC Broadcasting House in Cardiff and about 50 people the corporation\'s offices in Birmingham. BBC facilities in Belfast and Plymouth were also targeted.

The protesters burned their television licenses. Some critics are quoted as saying that the BBC would not do it if the show were a spoof on Jewish, Muslim or prophets of other religions.

However, one of the leading Christian media, the Christian Herald, was critical of Christian protesters, saying that people \"shouting blasphemy devoid of cohesive argument will only serve to reinforce stereotypes. ... Sadly, far too few campaigners actually viewed the piece