The Indianapolis Star’s decision to run a front-page editorial urging Indiana lawmakers to “fix” the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act may show the strong impact print journalism still has in communities, according to a West Virginia University expert.

The bill says the state is not able to “substantially burden a person’s exercise of religion” unless it is furthering a “compelling government interest.” The law, which will take effect July 1, has drawn fierce criticism from LGBT advocates and various other groups and corporations.

The paper ran a front-page editorial Tuesday with the words “Fix This Now” boldly printed above the fold. The editorial urges Gov. Mike Pence to “to enact a state law to prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, education and public accommodations on the basis of a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.”

WVU Reed College of Media Associate Professor John Temple says he believes the publication has sparked conversation and led lawmakers’ discussion in clarifying the bill.

“It had a huge impact,” he said. “In almost every statement today, the word ‘fix’ has been used. I don’t think that’s accidental.”

In a press conference Tuesday, Pence called on lawmakers to clarify the bill, according to the Indianapolis Star.

“We will fix this and we will move forward,” he said during the press conference.

Temple said the editorial shows the important role print journalism still plays in a predominantly digital age. Newspapers have the unique ability to drive conversation amid controversy, he said.

“I can almost guarantee that if they made a similar statement online, it wouldn’t have made the same impact,” Temple said. “I think that word ‘fix’ was injected into this by the newspaper. That does show how powerful what happens in editorial meetings can be.”

While print newspapers may be financially struggling and declining in readership, Temple said they provide a “more tangible” product not found online.

“The playing field has been leveled with the Internet, which is good because more people have a voice,” he said. “But, in a way, it’s just so hard to recognize a significant statement amid all the shouting online. This felt like a real thing because it was more tangible.”

-WVU-

cl/03/31/15

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