The need for media presence

About the Author

Lars Dahle

Lars is the Lausanne Catalyst for Media Engagement, as well as being a member of the Lausanne Communications Working Group. He is Associate Professor in Systematic Theology at Gimlekollen School of Journalism and Communication, NLA University College (Norway). He lives in Kristiansand, Norway, and is married to Margunn Serigstad Dahle, who is Associate Professor in Communications and Worldviews at NLA Gimlekollen. See all Lars’s articles on EngagingMedia.info.

Journalism is a key profession in today’s media world. We need journalists who represent various worldviews and faith commitments – with a united commitment to truth, fairness, independence and human dignity. I am convinced that the Christian worldview provides the most credible intellectual foundation for these key values in journalism. This is why Gimlekollen School of Journalism and Communications (part of NLA University College) annually educates 15–20 % of all journalists (with a university degree in journalism) in Norway. This is why we are committed to journalism and democracy-building globally.

I am convinced that Christians should practice an appropriate media presence in the major news and entertainment media. Their presence should be truly pluralistic and allow for different worldview perspectives, while remaining committed to Christian truth. We need committed Christians in the key roles of being journalists, documentarians and commentators. We also need Christians to get involved in creative production of various fictional materials. Christians who are not media professionals also have increasing opportunities to practise media presence through social media and online interactivity.