In several studies of religious coverage in the media the main conclusions were the following: (a) Coverage had increased significantly over the last decade but was very negative - NSC Religion Studies - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1

Conclusion (a) states that coverage has increased significantly but is predominantly negative. This rise in visibility could have both positive and negative effects on religion.

On one hand, increased coverage means religious issues are being discussed more widely, allowing for public discourse and awareness. It can lead to a better understanding of different beliefs. However, if the tone is mainly negative, it can perpetuate stereotypes, increase prejudice, and create an unfavorable public perception, which can hinder the relational acceptance of various faiths in society.

In this context, 'orthodox faiths' refer to the major, traditional religions that have been widely accepted throughout history, such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. These faiths are usually tied to long-standing doctrines and practices.

' minority religions,' on the other hand, are those less commonly followed, such as indigenous belief systems, and newer faiths that may not have a significant presence or influence in the broader religious landscape.

1. Cultural Relevance: In an increasingly secular society, orthodox faiths may be viewed as symbols of outdated traditions that resist modern social changes, leading to a more hostile tone.
2. Underrepresentation: Minority religions often receive favourable attention as they are seen as 'exotic' or 'alternative.' Media coverage may picture these faiths in a more positive light as they host beliefs that contrast with mainstream norms.

An example involves the frequent media coverage of issues surrounding sexual morality, particularly in relation to the Catholic Church and its stance on sexual abuse scandals. This topic garners significant attention in news outlets, framing the church in a negative light, while also sparking societal discussions about sexual ethics and the role of religious institutions.

Stereotyping involves generalizing beliefs or behaviors of a group without acknowledging individual differences. In media representation, Muslims are sometimes stereotyped solely as extremists, which fails to represent the broader diversity within the faith.

Bias refers to an unfair favoring of one viewpoint over another. For instance, during elections, media may exhibit bias by portraying a particular religious leader in a predominantly negative light compared to their rivals, leading to skewed public perceptions.

Objectivity means reporting all sides of a story without bias. An example is journalism that covers multiple perspectives on a controversial religious topic, such as debates on LGBTQ+ rights within Christian communities, ensuring all voices are heard.

Sensationalism is the practice of presenting stories in a way that provokes excitement or shock. Media may report on violent incidents related to cults rather than exploring the underlying religious beliefs, often exaggerating the danger posed by these groups.

Emotionalism in media refers to invoking strong emotional responses rather than rational thought. An example might be news reports focusing heavily on personal testimonies of individuals affected by a religious conflict, overshadowing the factual analysis of the events.