Catholics Do It, Why Don't You?

The Catholic Church is asking its members to make a pledge to "encourage the media to portray
what is truthful and good."

The pledge, which was distributed during Sunday services in the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi, comes from the
Bishops of the United States and is funded by the Catholic Communication Campaign.

A flier distributed after services titled "Renewing the Mind of the Media" calls for Catholics to sign a pledge to
"exert a positive influence on the media in their role as potential builders of civilization of peace and love... "
Thomas J. Rodi, bishop of the Biloxi Diocese, said the pledge is aimed primarily at the entertainment media,
particularly television and music.

"The whole document focuses more on the entertainment media and how it affects us," he said. "Some of the
programs desensitize our family values and moral values and in some cases may foster violence."
But it also takes into account the news media.

"This document points out the pervasive influence of the media, more than any other profession," he said.
"We recognize the importance of the media. It is not meant as an insult, but to call attention to the great
influence it exerts."
Rodi also pointed out that the Catholic Church is not the only organization calling the media's influence into
accountability.

Among suggestions on the pledge card:
• Discuss news coverage with family and/or friends (is it objectively providing the information you need?)
• Contact local broadcast outlets to submit comments for their license-renewal. "Comment especially on
whether their news is balanced or whether it sensationalizes violent incidents."
• Contact at least one advertiser that sponsors programs which contribute to or do not contribute to building
an authentic peace and ask them to continue or to withdraw their support, respectively.
• Trade one hour a week using media for an hour in prayer for peace.

It also asks Catholics to sign a pledge that reads, "We, the Catholic people of the United States, united in our
families, parishes and dioceses, pledge to encourage media leaders to be objective and truthful in reporting
news and portraying events and thus contribute to building an authentic peace."

Rodi said it is up to each person to decide how much influence they will allow the media to exert on them.
"We can decide to turn the TV off and contact advertisers," he said. "We are not helpless. It is important for
people to take control of their lives."

(Kate Magandy)