The Pope on participation in journalism
It's interesting to note that John Paul II, in one of his last written works, addressed the ways in which technology is changing journalism and the importance of making sure that the media remain accessible.
"The rapid development of technology in the area of the media is surely one of the signs of progress in today's society," he wrote in an apostolic letter issued Jan. 24 , the feast of Saint Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists.
"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," he added.
The pope made no direct reference to blogging, citizen's media or the kind of interactive journalism that we are trying to encourage here at Oshkosh News. But he spoke about the importance of dialogue and "reciprocal knowledge."
"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. My venerable predecessor, Blessed John XXIII, already prophetically warned humanity of such potential risks in the Encyclical, Pacem in Terris."
One commentator noted that the pope's comments "could have been drafted by Andrew Schwartzman of Media Access Project."
"The rapid development of technology in the area of the media is surely one of the signs of progress in today's society," he wrote in an apostolic letter issued Jan. 24 , the feast of Saint Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists.
"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," he added.
The pope made no direct reference to blogging, citizen's media or the kind of interactive journalism that we are trying to encourage here at Oshkosh News. But he spoke about the importance of dialogue and "reciprocal knowledge."
"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. My venerable predecessor, Blessed John XXIII, already prophetically warned humanity of such potential risks in the Encyclical, Pacem in Terris."
One commentator noted that the pope's comments "could have been drafted by Andrew Schwartzman of Media Access Project."
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