Depressing very local news: there is no longer a religion beat at the Dallas Morning News. Our last two religion reporters have been reassigned to covering suburban schools. I have no idea why this decision was made, and I am in no position to question it, certainly. All newspapers, and certainly my own, are in serious trouble during this economic crisis, and we can't cover everything. But it is a shame, and indeed more than a shame, to think that the DMN's Religion section used to be routinely acclaimed within the profession as the best religion section in the country. And given how passionately religious Dallas and its environs are, this is to be expected, and welcomed.
And now, we not only have no religion section, we have no religion beat reporters.
But religion has not ceased to be critically important to the lives of people today. I'd like to know from my readers what you think of the quality of religion coverage from your local media, and where you get your religion news. If your local paper was considering eliminating religion beat coverage, what case would you make to them to keep it?
UPDATE: See clarification above.
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Rod,
Saturdays aren't nearly as much fun with no DMN Religion section. The interviews, book and music reviews, and the calendar of upcoming events were essential to planning the following week's activities.
I'm glad I'm not in the newspaper business at this time because of its uncertain future. However, if newspapers continue to cut areas of interest, there will be corresponding cuts in readership.
Do you know if the powers that be at Belo have considered a nominal fee for on-line access? I don't know what a tree subscription costs, but there may be an interest in accounts that offer premium services (like an arts calendar). I know I'd consider subscribing. Just a thought...
Dear DNM,
Welcome to the 21st century!! :-)
considering that my old local paper (Appleton Post-Crescent) had like one column written by two catholics called "the God Squad", which really did nothing but write editorial style pieces for the Church, I wouldn't be surprised if that beat got taken down soon too. To have a religion beat, you need to have something interesting to say, something catchy and dynamic. Unfortunately, communion at the local church just doesn't cut it. Can't say I've read the local paper here in LA, so I can't talk about it, but it seems to me that this is "just business, nothing personal" from the DMN.
It is a shame that religion coverage is no longer a priority at the Dallas Morning News. I understand that when one is trying to keep the boat afloat that some things have to be thrown overboard. It's just sad. There are a lot of good religion stories out there that most of us will never know about now.
Here in Atlanta Faith and Values is now infused in the Living Section of the AJC. As a Christian and a publicist who specializes in promoting Christians I wonder if local media's decision to cut these sections are reflection on our current society, a paradigm shift in what it means to be a Christian or stinking thinking on the part of the Christian business community?
Even when I look at some of the artists I represent and writers I applaud the ones that get the most media attention and the most buzz from the peanut gallery are artists who are shifting from proclaiming their Christianity. They believe that their base would be broader if they move from calling themselves Christian artists to urban inspirational. It leads me to wonder if Christian singers, playwrights, authors, actors are being on the DL about their faith, then why should the media be responsible for singing their praises. Afterall, don't they automatically and voluntarily opt out of being covered by Christian news now?
Moreover I wonder for those artists seeking PR (pr = print media placement, not public relations/marketing support as they should be seeking) realize that their silence bears the fruit of dwindling PR opportunities.
On the other hand, when I share advertising opportunities to Christian biz friends, clients and colleagues they continue to have a "marketing my ministry should be free/if He builds it they will come" mentality. If God called them to write, act, sing, build a church, pastor a congregation then why should they pay to advertise? Why should they pay for praises to be sung? Why should they shout God's message to as many who have ears to hear?
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