The Mission
TMP empowers journalists to provide a more profound understanding of the role of religion in public life through accurate, thorough and intellectually honest reporting. TMP educates journalists on the importance of religion at training programs worldwide. We welcome friends from all faiths to these events and discussions.
History And Operations:
The Media Project started in 2006 as an International non-profit dedicated to elevating the art and craft of religion reporting in the journalism profession and to create space for journalists to discuss the role of religion in public life and peoples’ lives. The organization is led by and for journalists. Its diverse board and membership are from a wide variety of geographic, ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Rev. Dr. Fjeldstad’s Vision
2006 – 2014
The first director of The Media Project, Rev. Dr. Arne Fjeldstad, was a night editor at the Norwegian daily newspaper, Aftenposten, and ordained Lutheran minister in Norway. Fjeldstad tirelessly traveled the globe speaking at conferences, hosting conferences and mentoring journalists. He helped develop an initial network of nearly 1,000 journalists who were part of The Media Project, hosted more than 100 events worldwide and oversaw the publication of the Oxford University press book, “Blind Spot.” Fjeldstad died of a heart attack in 2014 while preparing for a TMP trip to Korea. A scholarship in his honor at The King’s College in NYC funded several international students to study at the NYC Semester in Journalism program at King’s.
Expanding Potential
2014 – Present
From 2015 to 2023, New York-based journalist and professor Paul Glader, a former staff writer at The Wall Street Journal, served as executive director of The Media Project.
We have trained hundreds students, journalists and faculty members around the world each year by hosting workshops in partnership with other NGO's, news organizations, universities and foundations. Each of our education, training and professional development program includes a focus on religion reporting and understanding. Participants receive academic credit and/or certificates. We have hosted programs in Prague, Czech Republic; Jakarta, Indonesia; Santiago, Chile; and St. Petersburg, Florida.
In 2024, we hired Stacy Varghese as COO/Director of Development to lead the organization into the future.
TMP Launches Religion Unplugged
2019
In 2019, TMP launched ReligionUnplugged.com, an award-winning online magazine, and its related podcast, video and social media channels. RUP publishes 10-15 pieces per week on religion from our TMP friends and members around the world, including news, enterprise features, commentary and analysis. RUP publishes work both by seasoned, veteran journalists and young journalists who are new to religion reporting.
The platform has more than 1 million pageviews per year, more than 50,000 followers on social media and more than 45,000 people receive our email newsletters. The site and its journalists have received numerous awards for their journalism from organizations such as Religion News Association, E&P’s EPPY awards and Associated Church Press. Clemente Lisi is the current Executive Editor.