On Thursday 29 November, guests from BBC radio joined us for a Cumberland Conversation on negotiating the 'God Slot'.
Executive producer of Pause for Thought on BBC Radio 2, Michael Wakelin, joined Canon Angela Tilby, a Thought for the Day regular on BBC Radio 4, and our Principal, Ed Newell, who is himself a contributor to Pause for Thought.
Our guests discussed the enduring popularity of ‘The God Slot’ and spoke about their own experiences and the challenges of bringing a faith dimension to current affairs and making it relevant and engaging to audiences of all faiths and none.
Comedy writer and BBC scriptwriter, Paul Kerensa, also took part, providing a practical demonstration of how he pulls together a script for Pause for Thought.
Speaking about his own experiences, Ed Newell said: “I love doing Pause for Thought – from the moment I gulp when the producer gives me an impossible subject to speak about, to the comments I receive from listeners when the broadcast has gone out. It’s one of the most challenging but rewarding things I do.”
The free seminar was open to the public as part of our popular Cumberland Conversations series.
After the main seminar there was an opportunity for questions from the audience, followed by a drinks reception. Photos from the event are available below.
Look out for details of our next Cumberland Conversation in February 2017, on our What's On page.