LONDON: 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 Azaan, 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.

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.

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.”