Religion and Journalism: Does it Mix?

"Journalists do not live by words alone, although sometimes they have to eat them."  - Adlai E. Stevenson

Doesn't it seem that any time a journalist writes about religion (whether positively, negatively, or not at all) they end up eating their words after the story is printed?  It is like you cannot win.  You will either upset the atheists for discussing religion, upset the religious for not bringing enough attention to religion, or upset different religious sects for not being equal to all of them.  The subject is just too touchy.

Perhaps this is why many journalists choose to ignore the religious aspects of many stories.  It saves a lot of grief to ignore the situation in the first place.  But is this right?  Ignoring this aspect means potentially neglecting one of the most important values to Americans. 


The problem is journalists learn to be objective and independent in their writing.  It is the easiest way to inform the public without being biased.  The public expects them to be honest and fair in their writing.  That being said, religion is purely belief.  There is no proof or fact involving religion.  There are so many different facets and diversities involving religion that someone will always be upset.  So with so many uncontrollable factors, a journalist has a tough time of being objective in religious stories.

So how can one reconcile personal religious beliefs with the independence, objectivity, and other expectations of professional journalism?

This is ultimately likely impossible.  Each journalist has his or her own beliefs that affect his or her writing, whether intentional or not.   But we have to try.  A journalist can only do his or her best at trying to be objective.  Here are a few ideas to try and incorporate religion and journalism.

 1.  Do complete research.  Investigate what people really believe before you write a story about it.  Giving or citing wrong information, or lack of information at all, will create anger and bitterness.

2. Cite sources from all sides.  Learn about all sides' opinions.

3.  Be professional.  Handle all situations as a professional.  Do the job the best way possible, and people will respond to the professionalism.

4. Do not be accusatory.  If someone feels attacked, the accusations will come right back to the journalist.

5.  Be honest.  Simple as that.

While it is difficult to try and incorporation religion and journalism, it is something that must be done.  To avoid difficult situations, a journalist must try to be as objective as possible.  Do research, cite multiple sources, and handle the situation professionally.

What do you think?  How can a journalist reconcile personal religious beliefs with the independence, objectivity, and other expectations of professional journalism?