Most journalists seem uncomfortable with the proven fact that millions of people in America and around the world order their lives with the help of religious truths and experiences. After nearly two decades of studying this issue, in academic settings and while working in the media, I am convinced four different forms of bias are to blame for this media blind spot. He offered proof of a scandal involving Jim Bakker, but he said we must meet in an airport far from Charlotte. My editors said there were few, if any, funds for religion travel. But anyone who understands newsrooms knows budgets are windows into the priorities of those who manage them.
Budgets help shape news.
The bias of knowledge. Recently, I saw a feature article on prayer based on quotes from three small-church pastors in Denver. The newspaper's region included at least four internationally known groups that specialize in prayer ministries, yet their leaders were not quoted. Many journalists work hard to become trained political, arts or sports reporters. But editors do not consider it a high priority to hire professional religion writers.