Television: Religion & Politics Perplexing Society

It is obvious that political views are pressed upon viewers by what is presented on television and in the news. Consumers have grown dependent on television for entertainment as well as news updates. How much do religious and political intellectuals actually influence these forms of media? Although there are several shows that encourage high moral and personal standards, television has become so full violence, sex, and immoral activities that it is hard to believe there is any religious authority behind the scenes. If that is the case, then perhaps religious intellectuals are needed to aid in more honest, wholesome, and uplifting programming. This will contribute to a decrease in negative effects that violent & sexually explicit programs have on young viewers. Society is a reflection of what we broadcast and therefore viewers should be more aware of what they are accepting from television and news networks.

Current primetime shows that promote sexual promiscuity include Gossip Girl, Greek, Desperate Housewives, and Dirty Sexy Money. Such programming targets a young demographic, encouraging sexual explicitness in an entertaining fashion. The standards presented range from pre-marital sex to cheating on one’s partner. Television makes these issues appear dangerous and exciting. However, I do not agree that it is sophisticated for networks to condone such behavior and communicate a sense of acceptance to society. This raises the question of who is behind programming and what message are they trying to send? The only political agenda that could be interpreted from such immoral shows is a clearly liberal one with no limits or restrictions. Perhaps, the influence of religious intellectuals can shift the direction of where television is headed.

Creators such as Dick Wolf and Tim King are responsible for the creation of religiously controversial shows such as Law & Order and Crossing Jordan, respectively. Then there are creators with religious backgrounds such as David E. Kelly, known Catholic who is behind the creation of Chicago Hope and Boston Public. Such shows delineate moral dilemmas and the various ways to overcome such obstacles. Furthermore, Barbara Hall, a Catholic turned Methodist is responsible for the popular Joan of Arcadia and Judging Amy.

In congruence, television shows are also formatted to suggest specific political views and agendas. Shows that predominantly do so are news media networks such as FOX. A prime example of how politics affect society through television media is the coverage of political campaigning. During these phases, networks and local stations dedicate the majority of their time to covering political candidates. News coverage has become so enticing to viewers that it is possible to argue that television coverage of politics often inhibits and brings down the reputation of political parties due to the networks desire for power. It is becoming increasingly difficult for candidates to clearly get their messages across to the public. Instead of Democrats or Republicans communicating their platforms and values to viewers, FOX, NBC, and ABC are handling all communication through their stations and what they choose to broadcast.

Society: A Religious Democrat or Political Conservative

In his posting, Stephen Mack discusses the concept of the religious intellectual stating “both religion and democracy draw the individual into a larger cosmic or social order—then define obligations that go along with one’s place in that order.” I want to know to what extent do religious intellectuals influence the mainstream media, especially news and television? This further raises the question of how similar and how different are religiously intellectual are Democrats and political conservatives?

First of all, “religious” is not necessarily synonymous with “conservative” and just because someone is a Democrat, it does mean that they are not religious. For example, Rupert Murdoch, Head of News Corporation is very politically conservative. However, he is known for his support of liberal and more presently immoral programming. He is in so much control of the news media and he is willing to air whatever sells (whether it is sex, drugs, violence, or war). When his media ownership exceeded the limit, Murdoch had no trouble persuading the Republican congress to adjust the restrictions. People like Rupert Murdoch who has so much influence on what information is broadcasted by the media ultimately dictate or suggest what norms and values society should accept.

After the rainfall of controversy surrounding “The Passion of the Christ” and “The Davinci Code,” the TV industry has certainly seen a shift to more religiously grounded programming. An article from FOXnews.com states,

“TV networks are embracing a newfound faith. A miniseries about the Book of Revelation airs next week, while shows about a Catholic priest probing the supernatural and an Episcopalian minister who converses with God are on the drawing board.”

Television shows such as Crossing Jordan, CSI and The Guardian all promote Catholic ideals. What impact do shows like these have on viewers? While on the contrary, consumers are enjoying entirely immoral programming such as Temptation Island and Race to the Altar. Explicit television shows as well as graphic and violent news broadcasts are sending negative perceptions to the young viewers of America. There is clearly not enough religious or ethical input behind the creative process. Although, Murdoch promotes highly entertaining programming, he should concentrate on what message he is sending to the public. Although entertaining and suspenseful, violent and sexually explicit shows send a message that society should accept morally objective values, lacking any sense of conservatism. Religious and political intellectuals need to come together to form an alliance, ultimately improving programming for all viewers.