Olave Snelling (Chairman of CBC)

Fifteen years ago the future for Christian broadcasting in the UK looked decidedly bleak. Christians were banned and barred from holding an independent broadcast licence for specifically Christian broadcasting in this country.

However, so much has happened in the last decade and a half to bring the independent Christian media scene from nothing to today's industry worth in excess of £25 million. Today viewers and listeners have a great deal of choice and quality programming, all delivering the Christian message implicit and explicit.

Much of the progress of the last 15 years has been achieved thanks to the efforts, support and lobbying of the Christian Broadcasting Council (CBC) and its members.

The CBC was established in 1983 out of a meeting in the House of Lords presided over by Lord Caldecote. The meeting addressed the issue of why there was a gaping hole in broadcast schedules for the clear proclamation of the Gospel and programmes exploring, celebrating and expressing the Christian faith.

There always were much-loved BBC programmes such as 'Songs of Praise' and daily radio services but no independent Christian broadcasters.

Why? The battle over legislation to permit this was intense and the fight was often gruelling. Michael Alison, MP, in debate over the 1990 Broadcasting Bill said: "John Wesley had the freedom of the open air in the 17th century, largely because he was banned from more official channels of communication. We want to ensure that, if John Wesley were alive today, officialdom would not ban or inhibit him from the airwaves!"

CBC fought the fight behind the scenes and lobbied Parliament for these freedoms which seem now inalienable following the passing of the 2001 Broadcasting Bill.

Yet there is still so much more to do to encourage the rise of Christian media by all means and on every platform.

The Christian Broadcasting Council works with:

Parliament: We have strong links with Parliament, including holding a yearly symposium on relevant issues. Most recently we held a meeting regarding the HFE Bill which proved significant in its timing and influence. CBC is in regular touch with members of the House to protect the right to spread the Christian Gospel (religious freedom) and to encourage and advocate Christian standards throughout the media.

The Office of Communications (Ofcom): CBC is proud of its long association and good relationship with Ofcom, responding to invitations to comment on new regulations and guidelines and assisting in the maintenance of good broadcasting practice and consultations. CBC is in a good position to do this because of its independence and ability to draw opinion from across the board.

The Media: Broadcasters, writers and producers, in particular encouraging professional broadcasting practice and the production of good UK Christian programme material.

The Churches: Generating and promoting interest in the media among Christian organisations and Christians of all denominations.

Christians in the UK owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who paved the way for the Christian broadcasting industry that we enjoy today.