Why journalists can’t afford to ignore religion - Media Society debate

Faith unites and faith divides. And the media coverage of religion has proved to be unusually problematic down the years, especially since the creation of Britain’s multicultural society.

Why is that? And what should editors and journalists do about it? This acutely sensitive matter is the subject of a Media Society debate next month, Damned if you don’t? Why journalists can’t afford to ignore religion.

For many journalists, for too long, religion has been an irrelevant, no-go area. Not anymore. “Religion has never been more tangible in world affairs and public life”, wrote AA Gill in the Sunday Times in March last year.

Do journalists therefore need to raise their game by showing a greater understanding of faith both at home and abroad?

Ed Stourton, the BBC broadcaster who presents Radio 4’s programme Sunday, will chair a panel to consider that question by looking at how the media report on faith and the role religion has in world affairs and Britain. The panellists will be:

Dame Ann Leslie, the award-winning, globe-trotting foreign correspondent, who reported from more than 70 countries for the Daily Mail.

Myriam Francois-Cerrah, writer and broadcaster on France and the Middle East for the New Statesman, Middle East Eye and Al-Jazeera English.

Roger Bolton, the presenter of BBC’s Feedback and a former editor of Panorama and This Week. He is also a trustee, Sandford St Martin Trust, which promotes excellence in religious broadcasting and is co-hosting the debate.

Steve Barnett, the professor of communications at the Westminster university and author of The rise and fall of television journalism.

The debate, on Wednesday 18 March, begins at 6pm at the Groucho Club. It will be followed by drinks and networking. Tickets for the event can be booked here.

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