Bishops offer media answers

Identifying a problem is the first step toward correcting it.

Last week, I introduced you to the U.S. bishops' recently released document titled "Renewing the Mind of the Media: A Statement on Overcoming the Exploitation of Sex and Violence in Communications." That column contained the bishops' rationale for issuing a statement that deals with the proliferation of sex and violence in all forms of the media, from television to the internet.

But it's not enough simply to point to a problem. Offering solutions is part of the process. In their document, the bishops do just that. Here are portions of their statement that suggest what consumers of the media can do to improve the content coming into their homes:

Law enforcement

"The fundamental step in combating the pornography industry is the enforcement of the laws that exist. Church and civic groups can provide both the encouragement and the information to persuade local authorities of the gravity of these crimes in themselves and of their link to crime in general.

"Education in the impact of pornography is as important as law enforcement. Too many people seem to be unaware of the extent of this industry, how profitable it is or how demeaning is the material that is produced and distributed. The Church can provide such education through the pulpit and adult education endeavors.

"Government should reassert its regulatory role with regard to the broadcast spectrum. It is clearly established in law that the spectrum is owned by the public and is only leased to those who are licensed by the government to make use of it. Licensing renewal should cease being pro forma and become once again a real evaluation of whether an entity has truly been broadcasting in the public interest as indicated by consumer comments.

Not censorship

"Government censorship across a broad range of media is not feasible under our Constitution nor is it desirable. The Church has experienced the damage inflicted by the power of the censor, where governments, hostile to all religion or to Christianity in particular, have sought to limit the reach of the Gospel message. Government's role should be to use its good offices to act as a catalyst for industry self-regulation and for consumers' expression of their rights.

"We ask advertisers to consider what contribution they can make to addressing the concerns expressed in this statement. Much of the media depend on advertising revenues for their existence; and the influence of sponsors and advertisers can be crucial.

"Prominent creative people have indicated reservations about the suitability for their own families of a good deal of what they see and hear today even among their own creations. They are also concerned about the lack of messages that uplift the human spirit. These concerns offer points of contact for a dialogue between the creative community and the Church.

"Some [consumers] may contradict themselves by watching, listening to or reading what they say they deplore. Nothing will change if consumers do not make these choices. If media business people make unacknowledged moral decisions by what they produce, consumers do so by what they choose to consume.

Parental role

"We urge [parents], as a priority, to know the media to which their children relate and to help them understand the messages they send. Parents should be clear about the media they reject. Sharing the reasons a video game is too violent or a particular show lacks good values about sex can contribute to a youngster's moral growth.

"Parents should also encourage a sense of discipline when it comes to the media. There must be time when the almost continuous noise from televisions, radios, computers and telephones -- often even while the family is together for meals -- gives way to quieter times for family discussion, prayer and homework. Many parents, no less than children, need to become less media dependent."

So that's what the bishops said you and others can do. Keep it in mind the next time you flip on the tube or fire up the computer.

(In my next column, I'll share some final thoughts from the bishops about additional specific steps individuals and organizations can take to improve the media.)

(08-13-98) [[In-content Ad]]