Panelists say people of faith crucial to media reform efforts

Published: 2005-05-19

ST. LOUIS (CNS) -- While some might have the impression the media reform movement is populated by activists wearing ratty T-shirts, frizzy hair and frizzier beards, the late Pope John Paul II had a place at the National Conference for Media Reform when speakers on two different panels invoked some of the pontiff's words about media. The May 13-15 conference in St. Louis drew 2,500 people, most of whom work on media issues in their local communities. Panelist Michael Copps, a Catholic and one of five commissioners on the Federal Communications Commission, quoted from the pope's apostolic letter, "The Rapid Development," released in February and aimed primarily at those responsible for communications. "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 pope wrote. The Rev. Robert Chase, director of communications for the 1.3.-million-member United Church of Christ, also quoted Pope John Paul on another panel. "The positive development of the media at the service of the common good is a responsibility of each and every one," the pope wrote in "The Rapid Development."

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