West Science Islamic Studies Vol. 2, No. 01, January 2024, pp. 24~29 Journal homepage: https://wsj.westscience-press.com/index.php/wsiss The Role of Media in Shaping Public Opinion on Religious Tolerance in Religious News in Mass Media Sabil Mokodenseho 1 , Jasiah 2 , Suhari Muharam 3 , Muhammad Rizaq 4 , Kalijunjung Hasibuan 5 1 Institut Agama Islam Muhammadiyah Kotamobagu 2 IAIN Palangkaraya 3 Universitas Islam Jakarta 4 Sekolah Tinggi Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan Kusuma Negara Jakarta 5 STAI-BR Sibuhuan Article Info ABSTRACT Article history: Received January 2024 Revised January 2024 Accepted January 2024 This research delves into the intricate relationship between media representations and public attitudes toward religious tolerance in Indonesian mass media. Employing a mixed-methods approach involving content analysis and surveys with SPSS analysis, the study scrutinizes 300 religious news articles and surveys 150 participants. The content analysis reveals diverse themes, framing, and language, while the survey uncovers patterns in media exposure and public perceptions. Comparative analysis provides global perspectives, and the implications and recommendations offer actionable insights. The findings contribute to understanding the dynamics of media influence on religious tolerance, offering valuable insights for media practitioners, policymakers, and future research efforts Keywords: Media Public Opinion Religious Tolerance Religious News Media This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA license. Corresponding Author: Name: Sabil Mokodenseho Institution: Institut Agama Islam Muhammadiyah Kotamobagu Email: sabil.mokodenseho@gmail.com 1. INTRODUCTION Religious diversity in Indonesia is a testament to the nation's pluralistic identity, with Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism coexisting within the country [1], [2]. The media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception and reflecting society's values in this dynamic socio-religious landscape [3], [4]. The interplay between media representations and public opinion, particularly regarding religious tolerance, highlights the need for scholarly inquiry [5], [6]. Indonesian society's perception and appreciation of cultural diversity can foster unity and a spirit of togetherness [7]. However, conflicts still occur, and religiosity can be affected by the resolution of these conflicts [8]. Islamic religious education in Indonesia should be approached from a multicultural perspective to maintain harmony and prevent societal divisions. Indonesia, with its diverse religious traditions, faces the challenge of promoting harmonious coexistence among its population. The media, as a powerful tool for information dissemination and shaping public attitudes, plays a crucial role in influencing perceptions of religious diversity. It can either contribute to fostering understanding and acceptance or exacerbate social tensions. The religiosity of the Indonesian people, when built on the