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Queen Elizabeth To Give Christmas Message; Channel 4 Has Controversial Alternative

By Howard M. Friedman

In Britain, Queen Elizabeth II's Christmas message will be broadcast Thursday afternoon (British time). A video of the speech is available from the YouTube Channel of the British Monarchy. The Guardian yesterday previewed her remarks. A history of the Royal Christmas Broadcast, which began in 1932, and transcripts of a number of the earlier addresses, are also available from the Monarchy's website.

Meanwhile, as reported yesterday by the New York Times, by AFP, and by the Times of London, Britain's Channel 4 continues with the tradition it began in 1993 of broadcasting a high-profile alternative Christmas greeting. In past years, it has been delivered by the likes of Jesse Jackson, Brigitte Bardot and cartoon character Marge Simpson. In a highly controversial move, this year Channel 4 is broadcasting a Christmas message from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The full text of Ahmadinejad's message is already on Channel 4's website. Many in Britain, as well as Israel's ambassador in London, have criticized Channel 4's decision. Channel 4 says it is "offering viewers an insight into an alternative world view." In a departure from past timing, this year's alternative greetings will be broadcast several hours after the Queen's to avoid any implication of equivalence.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on December 25, 2008 (boomark / email).