Atheism gets its own TV channel in the US – a shot in the dark or a sign of changing times?

[rug]

(Photo: Atheist TV)

Last updated: July 23rd, 2014
By Peter Foster

It is a fact of American life that even though far fewer than half the adult population attend church on a weekly basis, atheism remains an outright taboo in many corners of the country.

As we discovered on a reporting trip to Virginia earlier, non-belief is something that many Americans are too afraid to even admit to their parents, friend and teachers. Many fear alienation from the communities they grew up in, or even active discrimination from employers and teachers for their non-belief.

But in what is a sign of changing times, perhaps, next week sees the launch of America's first dedicated TV channel for non-believers. Atheist TV launches in New York and will broadcast 24 hours a day via Roku, the internet streaming service that allows people to watch internet-based channels on their TVs. Roku only has seven million subscribers, but anyone can watch it streamed online at www.atheists.tv

Free-thinkers, as atheists style themselves, remain almost bizarrely under-represented in American public life and discourse. There is not a single openly declared atheist among the 535 members of Congress, and it is conventional electoral wisdom that the President of the United States has to be a believer.

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/peterfoster/100281056/atheism-gets-its-own-tv-channel-in-the-us-a-shot-in-the-dark-or-a-sign-changing-times/

[rurallib]

1. sounds quite interesting.

[Htom Sirveaux]

2. I like this.

Hopefully, it will help dispel the bigotry we see against atheists in poll after poll.

[cbayer]

3. I think what will dispel the bigotry is more normalization, not marginalization.

As with other groups, it is the inclusion as normal of certain kinds of people into the ordinary and mundane that seems to ignite the most progress.

What I think this may do, though, is help with organization and allow those who feel closeted to be more open.

At any rate, it will be interesting to see what happens with it.

[Htom Sirveaux]

4. I'm hoping they have call-in shows, and post their topic schedule ahead of time.

I would be very tempted to call in.

[cbayer]

6. We could always hope for some great conversations.

I would like it if this led to more acceptance and understanding, but I really don't think it's going to get the audience it needs to accomplish that.

In fact, I think it may get the opposite from both sides.

[Starboard Tack]

5. Interesting! May be a little Dawkins centric. Let's see.

I wish them success. It is definitely time to counter the televangelical right.