Have you ever noticed that many TV shows and documentaries pertaining to the paranormal usually commence with the tag-line “For Entertainment Purposes Only?” I have noticed this sign displayed before shows – many of which were taking the task of exploring the paranormal extremely seriously, and with respect and education.

If you are a non-believer, or a sceptic, I can understand why the issue may not bother you. After all, if you don’t think such a thing as spirits or ghosts exist, then you probably assume most of these shows are for fun, for “entertainment only.”

For those who do fully believe in the existence of such things, though, this subject can cause a sting. There are many well researched, serious and respectful shows which study the paranormal and yet legally, they HAVE to tag onto their programme that the whole thing is for entertainment, thus already undermining the seriousness of the show before it even begins.

I, along with millions of others, have experienced things we believe to be of a paranormal nature. Many people have witnessed unusual phenomena, spirit apparitions, disembodied voices, as well as an array of other anomalies and unusual encounters. My purpose in discussing this is not to convince you that these things are real, or that they exist, but that to many people, this is a very serious and real subject, and the fact that shows documenting this have to display an “Entertainment” sign is quite frustrating. It’s like saying, “We don’t take this seriously. Just watch and have a laugh.” This mentality does shows like Most Haunted, Ghost Adventures and similar documentaries a disservice. These shows are always filmed with an experienced crew, use high-tech equipment, sensibly debunk anything that isn’t paranormal, and even undertake historians and parapsychologists. I think these shows – whether you personally believe in ghosts or not – deserve more respect. The legal disclaimer that has to be put onto these brilliant shows might even deter people from coming forward about their own experiences. After all – why would you want to, if nobody is taking it seriously?

For many, this realm of the spiritual is a serious and heartfelt issue. It is as meaningful as many faiths or religions to some individuals. There is no proof of God, but you would not expect a “For Entertainment Purposes Only” before a religious study, or at the end of a filmed church service. Such a thing would cause outroar and offend many – yet those who believe in spirits or who are involved in spiritualism as a personal belief system have to just accept that their worldviews will be seen as something light-hearted, something not to be taken seriously.

I sincerely feel this legal requirement should be studied and justified and looked at by those who impose the rule. I greatly admire those in certain TV shows for their contribution to the paranormal field and I feel they deserve more respect as a result.

Written by Fiona Dodwell, author of The Banishing, The Shift, and Obsessed