Media and Religion in Conflict - Essay Example

While political and business news could often be claimed as important and serious issues, news of other areas like entertainment, spiritual or religious etc is primarily targeted for the common man who can relax and rejuvenate with the information. I, therefore, disagree with slinger’s assertion. Religion is an intrinsic part of one’s life and is primarily used as a guideline for leading a moral and ethical life. Slinger’s claim that television has subverted the value system of contemporary society is biased not because as Postman (1987) says that it redefines the truth but mainly due to the fact that but for the television, world would not have known about the 9/11 catastrophe or quickly brought help to the victims of natural disasters from all corners of the world and habilitate them in the shortest possible time.

The television news, howsoever gross they may be, nevertheless inform the public about what is going on in different parts of the world. Newman (1996) says that some Christians are of the view that selective religious news should be broadcast. Their major fear is that television distorts news so how will one know if the selective news is correct? There are a wide variety of channels that show all kind of shows, some may be offensive but then it becomes one’s choice to see it or not. One can exercise one’s choice according to one’s religious guidelines.

In fact, television becomes one of the best critics to test one’s sincerity in one’s religion. If the person can be swayed by the images or content of the television, then religion plays not so significant role in his/her life. Television is the mirror of society and reflects its values and hence, cannot be antithetical to religious values.