Central and Eastern Europe’s first online Christian news agency, BosNewsLife, was ordered Wednesday, February 9, to register with Hungarian authorities under a new controversial law that critics say is part of a crackdown on independent media.

Under the new law electronic media such as BosNewsLife could face fines of over $100,000 and broadcasters nearly $1 million if their news coverage is deemed unbalanced, immoral or violating human dignity.

Reuters has responded to a reader who asked why the news agency in its reports refers to the Islamic prophet Mohammad as “The Prophet Mohammad”.

The BBC has appointed its first Muslim head of religion.

Aaqil Ahmed will move to the corporation from Channel Four, where he upset Roman Catholic priests by commissioning documentaries that appeared to contain a pro-Islam bias.

Due to economic realities — including the move of readers from print to pixels — religion news reporters are experiencing rocky times. Many have been laid off or have accepted buyouts.

Religion reporters are now looking at how they can leverage their knowledge and skills online.

Also: Religion News Blog talks about its new (and evolving) approach, including a new religion news portal project.