Changes

''Songs of Praise'' is a long-running religious programme on the BBC. It has been broadcast weekly since October 1961 and provides an integral part of the Public Service Broadcasting remit of the BBC.

''Songs of Praise'' is a long-running religious programme on the BBC. It has been broadcast weekly since October 1961 and provides an integral part of the Public Service Broadcasting remit of the BBC.

The format of the program has changed little over the years, still following the 'roadshow' format that was so revolutionary for programing in the early 60s. Each week the crew move to another church to discover how Christian life is followed in the regions and the program ends with a service and hymns. Several times a new approach has been attempted, but this has yet to prove popular with viewers and the 1998 broadcast of [[Songs of Praise]] from London's Natural History Museum was seen by many as a sign of the BBC's growing liberal, anti-religious stance.

The format of the program has changed little over the years, still following the 'roadshow' format that was so revolutionary for programing in the early 60s. Each week the crew move to another church to discover how Christian life is followed in the regions and the program ends with a service and hymns. Several times a new approach has been attempted, but this has yet to prove popular with viewers and the 1998 broadcast of ''Songs of Praise'' from London's Natural History Museum was seen by many as a sign of the BBC's growing liberal, anti-religious stance.

In 1985 ''Songs of Praise'' suffered a major setback when it was revealed the show's director, Steve Francis, had been involved with a Satanic cult during his time at Cambridge University. Francis repeatedly denied the allegations but eventually was forced to resign. His position was then taken up by Paul Gascoigne.  

In 1985 ''Songs of Praise'' suffered a major setback when it was revealed the show's director, Steve Francis, had been involved with a Satanic cult during his time at Cambridge University. Francis repeatedly denied the allegations but eventually was forced to resign. His position was then taken up by Paul Gascoigne.