The Top 5 'Mormons and the media' stories of 2008

True to the

title, the Mormon Media Observer has selected the Top Five LDS-connected media

stories of 2008. Heading the list is the death of President Gordon B.

Hinckley, followed closely by Mitt Romney's failed presidential

campaign. What follows is a list of stories that generated both positive

and negative media attention.

1. Death of President Hinckley

The

death of President Gordon B. Hinckley and transition to President Thomas S.

Monson generated media attention and warm appraisals in columns and

editorials around the globe. President Hinckley's understanding of the media

and his openness set a wonderful pattern for the church's future. Within the

church, Latter-day Saints reflect now on his years of service, his quick wit

and stature as a prophet.

2. Mitt Romney's campaign

As Time magazine

wrote, President Hinckley's long years of service made the presidential bid

of Mitt Romney possible. Unfortunately, many Americans still view Latter-day

Saints with suspicion, and that suspicion ended up in bigoted comments,

whispering campaigns and in media misreporting that hurt Romney's

presidential hopes, particularly in key Southern primaries.Much of the

media coverage was framed simplistically as "Mormons vs. Evangelicals," and

generally journalists made little effort to get responses from Latter-day

Saints. In particular, columnists and anti-Mormons dug up old stereotypes

and mocked beliefs as they wrote about the church and Romney.If there