Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Karachi (Agenzia Fides) – A TV on the Internet is the new idea that has just be launched into the Pakistani mass media by the Archdiocese of Karachi. Its name is “Good News TV” and it began airing this past February 21. The project was begun and is currently being run by the Karachi Catechetical Center.
The Center's Director is Fr. Arthur Charles, who firmly believed in the prject and in the possibility of offering the Church in Pakistan a new pulpit from which to evangelize, reaching out especially to the youth who are increasingly more active on the Internet and are constantly watching videos on the web.
“I am convinced that the Church should use the mass media to spread the Gospel, but also for the education and formation of the youth. In today's world, communication is non-stop. We are bombarded with the TV, sms, e-mail. It is imperative that in this global village, there be a strong Catholic voice announcing the Word of God,” says Fr. Arthur.
The priest notes how Pope Benedict XVI has confronted this challenge of communications and, like his predecessor, has given importance to the spreading of his message through the new technologies, for example by creating a Vatican channel on “YouTube.” “I found this to be in perfect harmony with the message from the Pope for the World Day of Social Communications, in which he affirms that the digital technologies are a gift to humanity that can be used to spread solidarity and comprehension among peoples and nations,” the priest says.
Fr. Charles is convinced that the Church needs mass media networks in order to spread knowledge of the faith to the community of faithful, but also to those who do not know Christianity. Thus, in Pakistan they have created “Media for Jesus,” a non-profit organization that has the communication of the faith as its mission, along with the direct overseeing of Good News TV. There are also plans to amplify the network and create a radio station and a satellite television station.
The necessary funds for carrying out the work has come in from benefactors and advertisement spots. Bishop Evarist Pinto of Karachi has also offered a contribution on behalf of the Diocese. Fr. Arthur is hopeful: “If it is God's will, this project will move forward. We know that building a Catholic mass media network is not easy. But, with the help of the community, we will continue working to bring it all together. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 24/02/2009)
