Faith groups said to have role to play in media reform efforts

Published: 2007-01-22

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (CNS) -- Faith groups have a stake in efforts to reform the nation's media, according to representatives of several faiths assembled for a Jan. 13 panel in Memphis as part of the National Conference for Media Reform. "We're constantly explaining who we are" because of the media reinforcing stereotypes and ignoring religious communities' perspectives, said panelist Katherine Grincewich, associate general counsel for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. When asked why the Catholic Church would care about such big issues as media justice and smaller issues such as the "fairness doctrine" -- giving time to those with opposing points of view -- Grincewich noted how Pope Benedict XVI, as well as his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, has talked about access to media as "a basic, fundamental human right." Both popes left open the door to government intervention in media matters, she added. "If the marketplace detours the ability to communicate, then something needs to be done," Grincewich said.

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