CNS STORY: Webinar focuses on Catholic media's role, relationship with bishops

WEBINAR Jul-29-2010 (670 words) xxxn

Webinar focuses on Catholic media's role, relationship with bishops

By Mark Pattison
Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The month after a New Orleans summit between bishops and Catholic media professionals, a Webinar examined the role of Catholic media outlets and the links between them and the bishops, who are quite often the publishers of locally produced Catholic newspapers and broadcast programming.

The July 28 Webinar, "Faithful Catholic Media: Continuing the Conversation," jointly sponsored by the Catholic Press Association and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, was intended as a follow-up to the summit, held as part of the Catholic Media Convention in New Orleans in early June.

"The bishops don't have all the answers," said Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala of Los Angeles, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Communications, during the Webinar. But he focused on three aspects of Catholic media, which he said makes it unique.

One is that Catholic media "can help Catholics -- and everyone -- understand what is happening in our world and in our church from a Catholic perspective," Bishop Zavala said. "What does it mean to be holding one's iPhone in one hand and the Gospel in the other? ... This is a vital role that only Catholic media can fulfill."

Another is that Catholic media are "civil and respectful," unlike what is seen in some outlets in secular media -- and even among other Catholics, according to Bishop Zavala.

"As I talked with brother bishops in preparation for this presentation, there was consistent agreement that one aspect that is most alarming to us about media is when it becomes un-Christian and hurtful to individuals," he said. "We are particularly concerned about blogs that engage in attacks and hurtful judgmental language. We are very troubled by blogs and other elements of media that assume the role of magisterium and judge others in the church."

The third unique aspect of Catholic media is its ability to advise bishops on "how to best engage with media organizations," Bishop Zavala said. "I know we (bishops) are not always the best students in this area, but we need your input and guidance."

Bishop Zavala said Catholic media should expect stronger collaboration with bishops, "and good collaboration requires efforts on both sides. ... Our diocesan offices should view your organizations as collaborators rather than as outsiders."

Catholic media also expect "access and support" from bishops, he added. "That means providing access to both the people and the information that you need to get your questions answered when you are working on a story."

Those working in Catholic media also deserve a "quick response" from bishops when working on stories, Bishop Zavala said. "Providing a response to your request after your deadlines is often of little help," he noted.

Catholic media professionals gathered at 39 sites across the country, including USCCB headquarters in Washington, to join the Webinar, which cost $49 for access per location.

Others involved in the session joined in from their respective offices: Helen Osman, secretary for communications for the USCCB; Penny Wiegert, current CPA president and editor/communications director for The Observer, newspaper of the Diocese of Rockford, Ill.; and CPA officials Tim Walter, executive director, and Karen Hurley, deputy executive director.

Dominic Perri of Chicago, a consultant to the USCCB, was the facilitator.

One poll question asked during the Webinar asked participants which they thought was the most urgent need of Catholic media. "Financial stability of Catholic media" outranked both "trust between bishops and Catholic media" and "coordinated communications strategy."

Bishop Zavala had alluded to finances in his remarks. "Sadly, the reality of the current economic times means that we bishops are not in a position to offer increased financial support to Catholic media," he said.

During a question-and-answer session at the end of the Webinar, a suggestion for greater theological training for Catholic media professionals sparked interest among some participants, although questions remained as to the extent and cost of such training, and how it could best be delivered.

A report from the Catholic Media Convention dialogue and the Webinar will be presented at the Aug. 4 meeting of the bishops' communications committee.

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