Abstract

This chapter examines religion in European journalism by focusing on the question of authority. After defining key concepts, the chapter proceeds as follows: It introduces three main theoretical approaches – mediatization of religion, publicization of religion and mediation of religion – and outlines their main differences relating to religious authorities and/in journalism. These theories and their various implications for thinking about authority in religion-related journalism are discussed in relation to case studies focusing on Great Britain and the Nordic countries, particularly Finland. The selected theoretical ideas are then assessed more thoroughly in the final part of the chapter and a short outline of potentially productive directions in this area are provided. Overall, rather than developing a single argument about the topic, the chapter clarifies the selected theoretical approaches and assess their strengths and weaknesses by using relevant empirical examples, thus offering guidance to those interested in studying religion in European journalism.