Religion news site a useful teaching tool for USC prof

The Revealer, published by New York University’s Center for Religion and Media, was designed as a forum to critique the media’s relationship with religion and is mostly utilized by journalists, students and academics. Since its debut two years ago, the site has steadily gathered a base of loyal readers and contributors, Winston said.

The review is open-ended in nature, with articles critiquing pop culture, such as the movie The Da Vinci Code and the media's reception of Christian pop singer Amy Grant’s new television show. But it tackles more serious issues as well, like the lack of coverage about religion’s role in Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath.

Winston became involved with the publication when she was with the Pew Charitable Trusts.

"This is something that was sorely needed," she said. "It is important for journalists to be knowledgeable about what they report. ... When it comes to religion, everyone just accepts what they are told."

Winston has encouraged her students to submit to The Revealer and other such online publications because she said they provide an opportunity to be more self-critical than in conventional journalism, where there is no real dialogue between journalist and audience.

"It’s also great for the students to see their work published," she added.

But Winston said the site’s benefits extend beyond the world of academia, and she believes the site and media review forums like it are wonderful teaching tools for all journalists.

"It is a great way to explore your own biases and see where they come out in your writing," she said.