Week 10: Religion and Journalism

Okay, don't shoot me, but only one thing ran through my mind as my COMMS 239 class discussed religion and journalism: absolutely and without a doubt, my religion comes first.

I am not willing to sacrifice my beliefs and convictions for anything. And that's probably one of the reasons I've decided to get out of the journalism game. That's right, I'm switching majors: being a reporter was not right for me. Instead, I'm running away to the delightful land of linguistics where I can read newspapers and enjoy the work of journalists without having to worry about being one.

Back to religion and journalism.

Despite the stark conflict, these two actually have a lot in common. Foremost: their top and guiding principle is that of seeking truth. Journalists and the religious are expected to work hard with integrity, humility, fairness, and trustworthiness. They are expected to live up to certain standards. Both want what is best for the people and both (should) promote freedom.

However, journalists should work hard on being unbiased, whereas organized religion is greatly biased toward their own beliefs.

So how do journalists reconcile those two things? I don't know. It is a deeply personal decision, I'm sure. Perhaps you can follow David Waters of the Washington Post, who said, "Our personal faith deeply affects who we are and what we believe, but it doesn't always have to affect what we do." Personally, I hope my faith and beliefs always affect what I do, and that I will always live by the standard set for me by my religion.

But then again, I'm not planning of being a journalist.

Another issue with religion and journalism is how reporters report on religious things. Religion is such a huge part of the lives of the majority of this country's citizens. Isn't it biased to ignore religion altogether when reporting? This article from ReligionWriters.com presents a compelling case for religious reporting.

I appreciate the motto of The Religion Newswriters Association: "[We envision] religion reporting and commentary informed by civility, accuracy, fairness and insight."

And that should be the goal for all of us.