Journalism and Faith

In the class lecture, these questions were discussed:

• Major Questions

• What role, if any, should a journalist's own religious faith play in identifying which stories to cover, in reporting, and in framing those stories?

• Should a reporter distance himself or herself from personal spiritual values, or is that even possible?

• Can journalists allow their personal faith to influence their world views without it causing them to slant or distort their reporting and writing?

In regards to that last question, I believe that journalism can, and in some cases should, allow their faith to influence their writing.

As Mormon's interested in journalism, the topic of faith in journalism is extremely applicable to all of us. Sometimes it can feel like a challenge, but I'd like to see it as an opportunity. I'm not saying journalism is necessarily a missionary tool, but there are always ways we can display our faith in today's world in a positive manner.

There are times where we will feel inclined to voice our religious opinions on a matter. Sometimes that will be very inappropriate, but simultaneously, there will be times when we can integrate our moral beliefs on societal issues into a story in a way that is right and good.

While this is one way of putting faith in journalism, there will be times when it is required that we report on something of which we disagree on; take abortion of gay rights for instance. In these circumstances, we can display our faith by simply being good journalists. By being objective and reporting the facts, we are showing  our education, our maturity, and our love for all people. I believe that this perhaps can be an even more influential display of our faith.