Crossposted at Daily Kos.

Here are some of the key findings from our new report -- they highlight the disparity in coverage between progressive and conservative religious leaders.

*Combining newspapers and television, conservative religious leaders were quoted, mentioned, or interviewed in news stories 2.8 times as often as were progressive religious leaders.

*On television news -- the three major television networks, the three major cable news channels, and PBS -- conservative religious leaders were quoted, mentioned, or interviewed 3.8 times as often as progressive leaders.

*In major newspapers, conservative religious leaders were quoted, mentioned, or interviewed 2.7 times as often as progressive leaders.

You can click here for video of Paul Waldman, Senior Fellow and Director of Special Projects here at Media Matters, talking about the report at a press conference held today.

It's important for us to recognize where the news media turn when talking about religion because it has dramatic implications for both the issues discussed and the outcome of the debate. When conservative religious leaders dominate the airwaves, so do their issues and their perspectives, even when they aren't a priority for the majority of Americans.

For instance, more than eight in 10 Americans agree that too many leaders use religion to talk about abortion and gay rights and don't talk enough about more important things like loving your neighbor and caring for the poor. That opinion is held consistently across virtually every religious tradition. But because of the media's preference for far-right conservative religious leaders over progressives, abortion and gay rights are presented to the public as the key religious issues of the day.

The news media need to hear from you.

As we approach the next presidential election, we can expect another spike in coverage of the intersection of politics and religion. We can't afford to allow the dominance of conservative religious views to continue while progressive religious voices are left behind.

I am urging news organizations to reflect on our findings and consider whether the skewed representation of religion in major news media serves the public interest. I am asking you to do the same. Together, our voices can make change happen. Click here to view our latest report and take action today!

Thank you once again for your continued support.