Pod people: Talking scare quotes, red flags and other 'controversial' tools of religion journalism

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In a couple of recent posts, I've delved into the nitty-gritty of religion news writing.

In one post, I focused on the specific language used in a USA Today story on Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee:

Speaking of 'so-called values issues,' let's stop editorializing by saying 'so-called': http://t.co/xyLUvPKJY5 pic.twitter.com/VC8crRb7Nm

— GetReligion (@GetReligion) May 8, 2015

In another post, I tackled the subject of scare quotes — a term that is familiar to regular Get Religion readers:

'Physician-assisted suicide' gets scare quotes. Why not 'aid-in-dying?': http://t.co/zJJdJfrFMJ #journalism pic.twitter.com/tvoiA1k1dz

— GetReligion (@GetReligion) May 20, 2015

On this week's episode of "Crossroads," the GetReligion podcast, host Todd Wilken and I discuss both those posts. Click here to tune in:

Bobby Ross Jr. on why language matters in journalism http://t.co/N3yMRorZz6

— GetReligion (@GetReligion) May 22, 2015

Besides addressing those posts, my interview with Wilken turns into a conversation about another recent post — this one on the use of the adjective "controversial" in journalism:

Just what's so 'controversial' about that Indiana religious freedom bill passed this week?: http://t.co/z2LQqBLstW pic.twitter.com/EijNXb4dUc

— GetReligion (@GetReligion) March 25, 2015

Trust me, it's fascinating stuff.

Enjoy the podcast.

As always, the smooth, relaxing Oklahoma accent is free.

Image via Shutterstock.com

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