Reporting on Influences

The article by Underwood (2002) aims to challenge and critique the contemporary view of the religious reporter and assess the nature of the state of religious participation within the individual and the corresponding relationship with professional reporting. Underwood (2002) identifies a lacking in studies conducted to gauge religiosity within reporters, citing religious interests were quantified statistically yet the relationship between religious belief and reporting influence remained notably unqualified. This is of significance as it provides grounds for questioning how religious influence within the reporter shapes reporting styles whether through conscious or subconscious means. Underwood (2002) proposes a direct link between reporting method and religious undertones, and contrasts this belief with public perception towards reporting and religious influence. The paper suggests a selective re-evaluation of the societal belief that religious reporting and journalistic intent is hostile. The paper dissects the lines between reporting sympathy in relation to religious events and conversely embracing the religious nature of the reporting style. Underwood (2002) shows that a complicated relationship is present between most aspects of journalistic reporting and relative religious influences which, in varying degrees of visibility, impact upon reporting style. 

References:

Underwood D. 2002. I will show you my faith by what I do. a survey of the religious beliefs of journalists and journalists' faith put into action. In From Yahweh to Yahoo! the religious roots of the secular press, Urbana and Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 2002, chapter 9, pp. 130-147,