The Church of England's (CofE) General Synod expressed concern on Wednesday over BCC's reduction in religious broadcasting, saying that the company's "once exemplary" coverage of religion had become "marginalized."

"We welcome regular reporting of religious affairs within the news, but are concerned that increasingly moving religion out of specialist slots and into news and magazine programming, given the lack of specialist knowledge in some newsrooms, can lead to the 'David Attenborough' effect," a briefing statement from the group read.

"[That is] religion reported from the point of view of an observer of a fascinating and increasingly rare species rather than explored as something of fundamental importance to the majority of the country."

The synod's finalized position reflected a toned-down version of the original motion given by lay leader Nigel Holmes, who said that BBC had "shunned" religious programming.

"Over the past 20 years the total output of the general program channels on BBC television has doubled, yet the hours of religious broadcasting on television are fewer and generally scheduled at less accessible times," Holmes said. "That, frankly, is not good enough."

He added: "A fortnight ago the BBC announced commissioning research to improve representation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual people. Perhaps it could do the same for those who proclaim a faith?"

Other speakers were more tolerant of broadcasters, such as Canon Jonathan Boardman, who said, "Encouragement is the best way, not a lot of bombastic upbraiding. Would the church's mission be best served by a return to the sort of syrupy, sentimental programs like Stars on Sunday from my childhood in the 70s?"

Still others said the church should be more concerned with digital media than with television.

Elaine Storkey, Chair of the Church and Media Network, noted "Digital culture means that broadcasting is no longer solely the preserve of these old professionals. It is quite likely that the computer will migrate into the living room."

"What are we going to do about it? Keep debating the television?"