Wehmeyer calls religion news lacking in media

JACKSON, Tenn. — Former ABC religion correspondent Peggy Wehmeyer said religion coverage in the news media is lacking.

Wehmeyer, who will speak at Union University’s annual spring Union Forum Feb. 22 in Jackson, Tenn., said, “There’s a lack of diversity when it comes to religious belief and ideology particularly in the newsrooms of the Northeast and in national news, which has an impact on the coverage of religion.

“As much attention as the media gives to make sure that there’s representation and diversity in the area of race, gender and even sexual orientation, I think it’s time for the media to pay attention to ideological diversity, especially when it comes to religion,” she said.

Wehmeyer’s religion beat was eliminated in October 2001 due to budget cutbacks, according to ABC officials.