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Blind Spot

When Journalists Don't Get Religion

Paul Marshall author Roberta Green-Ahmanson author Lela Gilbert author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Oxford University Press Inc

Published:20th Nov '08

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

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Blind Spot cover

The book Blind Spot explores how media often misrepresents religious aspects in news stories, impacting public understanding and coverage quality.

In Blind Spot, the authors delve into the critical intersection of religion and media, arguing that a proper understanding of religion is vital for interpreting many significant news stories. They highlight how journalists often miss or misinterpret religious elements, leading to a skewed portrayal of events. This oversight can hinder their ability to provide accurate and comprehensive coverage, both locally and globally. The book presents a compelling case for why the media must take religion seriously to enhance their reporting quality.

The authors examine nine specific news stories, including the 2004 U.S. presidential elections and the complexities surrounding Iran and Iraq, demonstrating how these narratives were inadequately reported due to a lack of attention to their religious dimensions. Each case study illustrates the consequences of overlooking religion in journalism, emphasizing that a more nuanced understanding could lead to more effective reporting. The authors' insights are drawn from their experiences as scholars and seasoned news analysts, providing a rich perspective on the issues at hand.

While Blind Spot is particularly relevant for individuals of faith, it offers a balanced analysis that appeals to a broader audience. The essays not only critique the media's relationship with religion but also provide practical suggestions for journalists to improve their coverage of religious issues. This book serves as a crucial resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of modern journalism and its interactions with faith and belief systems.

...an excellent book...a collection of essays showing how contemporary reporting ignores, distorts or simply fails to see the religious dimension of world events. * Michael McMahon, Catholic Herald *
admirable book. * Christopher Pearson, The Australian *
... valuable ,,, worth reading and pondering * Leon Cohen, The Jewish Chronicle *

  • Winner of Awarded the title of 'Book of the Year 2009' by the Religious Communication Association.

ISBN: 9780195374377

Dimensions: 152mm x 229mm x 18mm

Weight: 340g

240 pages