Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Brasilia (Fides Service) - The power of the media is one of those most concerning questions in our modern society particularly with regard to the media’s influence on cultural formation. The Catholic Church is aware that she “is called to use the media not only to spread the Gospel but, today more than ever, to integrate the message of salvation in the new culture created and amplified by the powerful means of communication. She is aware that that the use of communications technique and technology is an integral part of her mission in the third millennium”. For this reason the Bishops of Brazil with the Brazilian government and UNESCO have organised the 5th International Communications Seminar 16-18 May on the theme “War and Peace: the role of the media t build understanding among nations”, in keeping with the theme of the 39th World Communications Day: “The means of social communications at the service of understanding among peoples”.
The Seminar, held at the Interlegis Auditorium in Brasilia, will try to answer the following question: “What is the role of the media for building peace?” The debate will consider how people see the world as portrayed by newspapers, radio and the internet. It will also discuss pressure on the media from the market and other areas of society.
The objective of the organisers is to obtain contributions at various levels: for the public who view critically the contents of papers, radio TV and Internet; for media operators to improve the contents; for students of media science to know and improve the conditions of their future work ambit ; for experts and activities connected with NGOs and institutions which study ethos of communications and elaborate projects in favour of citizens; for politicians. For more info: comsocial@cnbb.org.br; imprensa@cnbb.org.br. (R.Z.) (Agenzia Fides 10/5/2005, righe 25, parole 346)
