Offstone JUNE 2023 EDITION

47 PORTRAYING RELIGION IN THE MEDIA By : Dr. Safiyyah Ahmad Sabri safiyyah@usim.edu.my The author is a Senior Lecturer of the Communication Programme at the Leadership and Management Faculty, USIM. A PhD holder in Mass Communication from Universiti Teknologi MARA, she continued her interest in Islamic, conflict reporting and plural society awareness, as well as fake news, misinformation and disinformation in reporting, and cybersecurity. ABSTRACT Media representations of religion play a significant role in shaping public perceptions, attitudes, and understanding of different religious traditions. However, these representations are often subject to various biases and limitations that may impact the way religion is portrayed in the media. Instead, journalists should strive for accuracy, fairness, and sensitivity when reporting on religion, avoiding sensationalism, stereotypes, and oversimplifications especially in a multiracial country like Malaysia. Introduction In today’s globalized and interconnected world, the media plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse and disseminating information. Religion, as a fundamental aspect of human life, often finds itself in the spotlight of media attention. The relationship between religion and the media is complex and multifaceted, with both positive and negative implications. This article explores the intersection of religion and the media, examining the influence of media representations on religious understanding, the role of religious media outlets, and the challenges posed by media biases and sensationalism.