Media and Religion

The media, like every other aspect of life, has had a significant impact on the social institution of religion. The impact of the internet and social media is virtually unquantifiable. The impact of the media on religion is briefly discussed in this article. 


Oral traditions kept the interpretation of religion fluid in the past, before any kind of communication or technology existed. The arrival of the printing machine solidified their meaning, causing religions to become inflexible. The press, on the other hand, has played a vital part in introducing reformations, such as Martin Luther’s Protestant Revolution.

Media has had far-reaching effects on religion over time. Many festivals and even customs that were once unique to distinct regions in India have been homogenised thanks to the media. By emphasising these habits on a large scale, the media has popularised them. Ganesh Visarjan, which has long been celebrated in Maharashtra, is now a national holiday. Similarly, worshipping Sai Baba and Kolkata’s Durga Puja. These celebrations have become a national phenomenon thanks to the media.


While the media has significantly narrowed the scope of religion, it has also broadened a superficial image of it. Hinduism, for example, includes many branches, schools of thought, and beliefs (it is not a religion, but rather a composite civilization of indigenous traditions). ISKCON is a Gaudiya Vaishnava organisation, while Isha Foundation is a Shaivism organisation, and so on. This increased awareness has been constrained by mediatisation to just a few popular gods.

Hinduism’s religious knowledge has been limited to Ram, and Islam’s religious understanding has been limited to Jihad (a satire on present news programming). As a result, the two communities have become increasingly polarised. Coverage of the Tablighi Jamat is a recent example. Despite having lived in the country for centuries, a group has now become foreign in the eyes of others. The media plays a critical effect in either promoting or dispelling views.


TV shows like Ramayana and Mahabharata have aided in the transmission of mythological knowledge and, in some ways, have enhanced people’s religious experiences. Religion became palatable as consumption got mediated. The purpose of producing and broadcasting these mythical shows can be questioned, considering the target demographic was predominantly the Hindi-speaking region in the north. The reason for its re-release during lockdown was also a mystery. Furthermore, as the National Public Broadcaster, Doordarshan’s secularism is questioned for carrying religious programming.


✍️ Swarnali Chakraborty


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