Religion and belief in the media
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how religion and belief are misrepresented in the media and why fairer representation matters.
Key learning points
- Religion and belief can sometimes struggle to be covered with nuance in media stories.
- Images of people with different religions can reinforce stereotypes and misconceptions.
- The diversity within religion and belief is not always shown in headlines and media stories.
- Many religious and belief communities are doing important work and would like to be covered accurately by journalists.
Keywords
Media - channels of communication, like newspapers, TV, radio and online platforms, that deliver information to the public
Misrepresentation (media) - when the media presents a group, belief or event in a way that is inaccurate or misleading
Representation (media) - the version of reality that the media presents, shaped by choices about what to include, what to leave out and how to frame a story
Common misconception
An accurate media presentation of a story about religion can represent all members fairly.
Religious and belief communities are diverse, and experiences and practices can vary widely, so media coverage can’t represent everyone.
Teacher tip
You might want to consider using material from the Religion and Media Centre as examples of fair representation of religion.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.The fourth estate supports the ...
Q2.Who does the fifth estate refer to?
Q3.Social media can spread false ...
Q4.What must professional journalism clearly separate itself from?
Q5.Journalists must remain from powerful interests.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does nuanced reporting mean?
Q2.Search engines may reinforce about religions.
Q3.What do headlines sometimes fail to show?
Q4.Misrepresentation means showing religion ...
Q5.What is one possible consequence of poor media representation?
Q6.Fair media representation encourages ...
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Religion and belief in the media, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Religion and belief in the media, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Religion and the Media: how can we live online together? unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.