Focused on the triangular relationship between rabbis, journalists and the public, this book analyses each group's role in influencing the agenda around religion in Israel.
The book draws upon the author's original research, comprising an analysis of the coverage of religion on four Israeli news websites, a series of surveys of rabbis, journalists, and the public, as well as a large number of interviews conducted with a range of stakeholders: community rabbis, teacher rabbis, and religious court judges; reporters, editors, and spokespersons; and the Israeli Jewish public. Key questions include:
What are rabbis' philosophical views of the media?How does the media define news about Judaism?What aspect of news about religion and spirituality interest the public?How do spokespersons and rabbis influence the news agenda?How is the triangular relationship between rabbis, journalists and the public being altered by the digital age?
Despite a lack of understanding about mass media behaviour among many rabbis, and, concurrently, a lack of knowledge about religion among many journalists, it is argued that there is shared interest between the two groups, both in support of mass-media values like the right to know and freedom of expression. It is further argued that the public's attitude to news about religion is significant in determining what journalists should publish.
The book will be of interest to those studying mass communications, the media, Judaism and Israeli society, as well as researchers of media and religion.
The book draws upon the author's original research, comprising an analysis of the coverage of religion on four Israeli news websites, a series of surveys of rabbis, journalists, and the public, as well as a large number of interviews conducted with a range of stakeholders: community rabbis, teacher rabbis, and religious court judges; reporters, editors, and spokespersons; and the Israeli Jewish public. Key questions include:
What are rabbis' philosophical views of the media?How does the media define news about Judaism?What aspect of news about religion and spirituality interest the public?How do spokespersons and rabbis influence the news agenda?How is the triangular relationship between rabbis, journalists and the public being altered by the digital age?
Despite a lack of understanding about mass media behaviour among many rabbis, and, concurrently, a lack of knowledge about religion among many journalists, it is argued that there is shared interest between the two groups, both in support of mass-media values like the right to know and freedom of expression. It is further argued that the public's attitude to news about religion is significant in determining what journalists should publish.
The book will be of interest to those studying mass communications, the media, Judaism and Israeli society, as well as researchers of media and religion.
"Although it is cast as basically an academic work, the book is very far from dry or heavy-going. Cohen writes lucidly, not only as regards style but also in respect to content. He covers his field of study comprehensively, drawing his conclusions from the evidence-based results of his extensive research. The reader is left much more knowledgeable about the nature of the media in Israel, and the professional problems facing the journalists who staff it. The religious dimension to Israeli society is also covered clearly and comprehensively, and particular attention is directed at its relationship with the modern media in an increasingly digital-savvy nation. If issues such as these excite your interest, then this is a book for you."
Neville Teller, The Jerusalem Post
Neville Teller, The Jerusalem Post