The U.S. is the most religious of all advanced, industrial, democratic nations. Almost two thirds say that their religion is very important to them. The way religion has been treated in the media has changed dramatically over the years. Not long ago the American news media were regularly charged with hostility to religion. Newspapers, magazines, and television news stations have been devoting more time to religion.
Religion is important to many people and they enjoy reading, talking, and hearing about it.
Journalists have come to believe that they have underestimated how much religion matters in contemporary society. A study was conducted by Buddenbaum and Hoover in April 1988 and March-April 1989. Their study indicated that public interest in religion news was quite high. This study shows that interest in religion news is very high. Many people are interested in religion news and read about it when they get the chance.