CNS STORY: Panelists say people of faith crucial to media reform efforts

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CNS Story:

MEDIA-FAITH May-19-2005 (730 words) xxxn

Panelists say people of faith crucial to media reform efforts

By Mark Pattison
Catholic News Service

ST. LOUIS (CNS) -- While some might have the impression the media reform movement is populated by activists wearing ratty T-shirts, frizzy hair and frizzier beards, the late Pope John Paul II had a place at the National Conference for Media Reform when speakers on two different panels invoked some of the pontiff's words about media.

The May 13-15 conference in St. Louis drew 2,500 people, most of whom work on media issues in their local communities.

Panelist Michael Copps, a Catholic and one of five commissioners on the Federal Communications Commission, quoted from the pope's apostolic letter, "The Rapid Development," released in February and aimed primarily at those responsible for communications.

"I would like to recall our attention to the subject of media access, and of co-responsible participation in their administration," the pope said. "If the communications media are a good destined for all humanity, then ever-new means must be found -- including recourse to opportune legislative measures -- to make possible a true participation in their management by all. The culture of co-responsibility must be nurtured."

"How's that for a statement on media consolidation?" Copps asked as the audience applauded. One of the concerns of media activists is the concentration of media in fewer hands.

The Rev. Robert Chase, director of communications for the 1.3.-million-member United Church of Christ, quoted Pope John Paul even more extensively on a separate panel.

"The positive development of the media at the service of the common good is a responsibility of each and every one," the pope wrote in "The Rapid Development." "Because of the close connections the media have with economics, politics and culture, there is required a management system capable of safeguarding the centrality and dignity of the person, the primacy of the family as the basic unit of society and the proper relationship among them."

"A vast work of formation is needed to assure that the mass media be known and used intelligently and appropriately," the pope said. "The new vocabulary they introduce into society modifies both learning processes and the quality of human relations, so that, without proper formation, these media run the risk of manipulating and heavily conditioning, rather than serving people. This is especially true for young people, who show a natural propensity toward technological innovations and as such are in even greater need of education in the responsible and critical use of the media."

Rev. Chase complained good-naturedly that Copps had "stolen my thunder."

But he went on to quote the pope still further: "Finally, there cannot be forgotten the great possibilities of mass media in promoting dialogue, becoming vehicles for reciprocal knowledge, of solidarity and of peace. They become a powerful resource for good if used to foster understanding between peoples, a destructive 'weapon' if used to foster injustice and conflicts."

By quoting the late pope so thoroughly, both government officials and representatives of other denominations underscored the point that religious believers have a unique stake in reforming the media to serve the interest of the common good.

"In America we have freedom of speech and freedom of religion. We want to make sure we nurture both of them," said the Rev. Leslie Tune, who is ordained in two Baptist denominations and is assistant pastor of Norbeck Community Church in Silver Spring, Md., a Washington suburb.

"The views of people who think differently and view Scripture differently can sometimes get lost" amid the expressions of faith currently seen on TV, Rev. Tune added.

Rev. Tune also works for the National Council of Churches. She noted that half of the council's 36 member churches do not recognize the validity of women's ordination, yet they unite to address issues of common interest. "Maybe (for reporters) it's not real sexy for church people to care about poverty," she said.

"Why is it important for faith groups to be involved in these (media) issues?" Rev. Chase asked. "Voice leads to empowerment. Empowerment leads to full humanity," he said. "Many faith groups have a trust relationship within their own community. ... Justice is part of our core mission. So media justice is part of what it means to advocate for a just society."

"In order to have diverse voices, you need to be in the game," added Rev. Tune, borrowing a quote from a lottery ad: "You cannot win it if you're not in it."

END

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