Seth Udinski, FISM News
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A recent report released by the Faith and Media Index revealed that most viewers want an increase in coverage on religious themes, despite the pervasive belief by some in the media that religion is too “controversial.”
Faith and Media Index released their findings, dated September 2022. The researchers polled over 9,000 respondents from 18 countries and various faiths, the majority of which came from Christianity and Islam. The gender breakdown was 51% male and 49% female, in an age range fairly evenly split from 18-65 years old.
The poll revealed several interesting results, both about the state of religious devotion in the world today and the relationship between news media and religion.
More than 8-in-10 respondents (82%) self-identified as “religious” or “spiritual,” with 72% believing in the existence of God or other deities.
Additionally, 63% of those polled said they desire quality news content focused on religion in their nations. Over half of those polled, 53%, claim the media intentionally passes over religious reports.
Furthermore, 78% said they believe religious stereotypes should be granted the same level of news coverage as gender and race stereotypes. Many believe that race and gender stereotypes dominate the news cycle as yet another example of intersectionality pervading the media.
The poll also revealed fascinating results from the standpoint of the media.
The main reason news media outlets cited for passing over religion in their coverage was a fear of misreporting the facts.
Media interviewees described a general ‘fear’ in the newsroom around covering religion. In an era defined by some as a time when religion has become increasingly politicized, news coverage, often at speed, brings with it the tacit acceptance that it is impossible to cover the topic with a level of nuance and sensitivity given the time and resources available.
The media respondents also cited a lack of religious experts, as well as a fear of stereotyping the religion in question and the belief that religious coverage is generally “boring” unless it brings with it a level of controversy.
An example of this would be the recent Matt Chandler scandal. Very few news outlets ever cover the positive things pastors, churches, or religious organizations do in their communities, but once there is a narrative that involves potentially scandalous or controversial material there is much greater coverage.
It is encouraging to see a growing consensus that consumers would like to see more religious and faith-based coverage in the news cycle, highlighting something those who know Christ already understand: all individuals possess a deep-seeded desire to know their Creator.
Editor’s Note:
FISM News desires to continue to promote truth and, ultimately, Jesus Christ through all of its coverage. We hope to be one of the outlets that readers trust to fill this void in the regular news coverage, where we can bring Christian issues to light. As we grow we have plans to increase our coverage of Christian topics and also give an analysis of the news from a biblical worldview.
With this in mind there are two ways that you can be involved in helping us reach these goals:
1) FISM News now extends an opportunity for our viewers to provide tips on newsworthy developments. We especially hope that our readers will submit tips of positive events/stories that the church, Christian leaders, and Christian organizations are involved in that helps provide hope and bring light to the darkness. To leave a tip, please go to “Tips” under the “News” drop-down menu or click here.
2) FISM is in the midst of a legacy drive to honor our CEO and founder Dan Celia. Dan’s vision was to have FISM News be part of his mission to expose Jesus for who He is, what He means, and all He can do. You can help FISM News continue our coverage from a Christian worldview and conservative perspective by contributing here: Legacy Drive.