Religion & Ethics Newsweekly
RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY has been breaking ground in news reporting since its national debut on PBS in September 1997. Hosted by veteran journalist Bob Abernethy, this one-of-a-kind television newsmagazine provides insightful coverage and analysis of the news, people, events and trends behind the headlines in the rich world of religion and ethics. Jane Lampman of the CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR says the program’s “succinct coverage of the week’s religion news and feature stories that get to the nub of trends with a human touch make it always-valuable viewing.” John Railey with the WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL notes, “The work is top rate, with good writing and a deep understanding of the complex quilt that is American religious life.” And the Religion Newswriters Association credits the show for setting “a national standard for balanced and fair coverage of religious topics.”
Through live reports from the show’s studios in Washington, D.C., and taped reports from an experienced team of correspondents, including Phil Jones, Fred de Sam Lazaro, Tim O’Brien, Deborah Potter, Betty Rollin, Lucky Severson and Judy Valente, along with managing editor Kim Lawton, the program explores how religion shapes both national and international events, and examines the challenges raised by difficult ethical issues. Newsmakers, scholars, and historians also provide insightful perspectives in roundtable discussions. In addition to the program’s primary task of reporting the news, it also serves as a resource for viewers searching for ways to explore the spiritual experience and enhance their understanding of American religious life.
RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY has been recognized for its commitment to outstanding news coverage, receiving more than 55 broadcast industry awards, including the prestigious Sigma Delta Chi award from the Society of Professional Journalists, two Gracie Allen awards from American Women in Radio and Television, five CINE Golden Eagle awards, seven New York Festival awards, two Chicago TV Fest and Clarion awards and a Gabriel award, among others.
To complement the program’s weekly broadcast, RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY offers a Web Site and a companion Viewers Guide. The Web site features individual show transcripts, an audio archive of past programs, full transcripts of interviews with notable guests, related articles dealing with significant issues in religion and ethics news, a list of related resources and an online pressroom featuring downloadable versions of the program press kit and quarterly newsletter as well as detailed summaries of individual stories. The Viewers Guide, which includes essays, discussion questions and resources, may be downloaded from the Web site or ordered free of charge by writing “Religion & Ethics Guide,” P.O. Box 245, Little Falls, NJ 07424-0245.
RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY is a production of Thirteen/WNET New York. Major funding for RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY is provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. with additional support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Mutual of America Life Insurance Company. Executive editor and host: Bob Abernethy. Executive producer: Arnold Labaton. Supervising producer: Phil O’Connor. Managing Editor: Kim Lawton.
For more information please visit the website.