British TV channel to broadcast Muslim call to prayer
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A mainstream British TV channel said Tuesday it would broadcast the Muslim call to prayer throughout the fasting month of Ramadan.
From July 9, Channel 4 will cut into its schedule to show the three-minute call to prayer, or adhan, live.
The channel's decision comes as Britain is experiencing community tensions in the wake of the brutal murder of a British soldier. Two Muslim converts have been charged with the murder.
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The number of attacks on Muslims rose sharply after the killing in May and several mosques have been targeted.
As well as on television, Channel 4 viewers will be able to watch the call to prayer on the station's website, where it will play automatically at prayer times throughout the day.
A series of Ramadan-themed programmes will also be shown, starting on July 8.
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Ralph Lee, head of factual programming at Channel 4, said: "The calls to prayer prompt Muslims to carry out quiet moments of worship, but hopefully they'll also make other viewers sit up and notice that this event is taking place."