CBQ REVIEW ESSAY: The Media and Religion: A Decade of Print and Electronic Publications

Abstract

Despite its great significance throughout much of the world, religion has often been removed from day-to-day media coverage. This has been particularly true in the United States where media coverage of religion has for the most part been relegated to special sections of newspapers and popular magazines and to isolated viewing hours on television, the largely Sunday morning religious ghetto. Indeed, for decades religion's significance in the lives of many Americans has been virtually ignored by the media and often left to the specialized religious papers, newsletters, and periodicals. In recent years, however, there has been a growing and noticeable change in media coverage of religion. This is most evident in the increasing numbers of newspapers and television stations and networks (although the latter is still small) that have hired reporters to cover specifically religious beats. Readers can now find new or greatly expanded religion or faith and values sections in their local newspaper. These new several-page sections replace or supplement what was once almost exclusively church-type bulletins and announcements and they often include thoughtful columns and analyses covering many religions along with serious commentary. Entire cable television networks are devoted solely or in part to religion. Another significant change is broadening coverage that now includes religions beyond mainstream Christianity. In addition to Judaism and Islam, media coverage is now likely to include non-Western and alternative religions.