Recent events in domestic and international politics have raised the question of why religion has not been more on the agenda of communication and media scholarship. There have been voices in the field, including James Carey, Elihu Katz, and ICA president Peter Monge in his 1998 Presidential Address, who have pointed to the need for more attention to religion
And yet, scholarly attention has been sporadic. The situation has become more pressing following the September 11 attacks and the increasing presence of religion in U.S. politics. These are but two of a growing range of ways that religion is more and more important in social, cultural, and political spheres. Under the title "Religion, Politics, and Media: How Do We 'Get Religion' In Leftist Scholarship and Journalism?" a preconference at the Chicago ICA will address this problem.
The day-long session is intended to bring together scholars of religion and of the media with journalists and others concerned with the interaction of religion and politics in the public sphere. Among those making formal presentations are Martin Marty, U of Chicago; Randall Balmer, Barnard College; Diane Winston, U of Southern California; Horace Newcomb, director of the Peabody Awards; Robert Entman, George Washington U; and journalist and historian Rick Perlstein.
The format of the preconference will begin with two round-tables featuring these presenters allowing ample time for interaction and dialogue between them and attendees. Following those, the event will feature a panel of competitively selected research presentations by younger and emerging scholars. The day will end with an open forum chaired by co-organizers Stewart Hoover and Andrea Press intended to lay out potential research agendas.