Confessions and the media

DEAR EDITOR:

Few professions have such a great influence on society as journalists. They lead how people interpret events. They are fundamental in a free and pluralistic society.

They must respect human dignity: “never saying or writing anything which you know in the depths of your hearts to be untrue or a half truth” (Pope Francis.)

Respect for human dignity is so important in the media. Criticism is legitimate and necessary; like denouncing evil, but it must always be done with respect for others and for their truth. Good journalism is a factor for the common good; not using a language or half truths that stir up the fire of divisions among people but instead encourages the culture of unity and bridge building, reminding us daily that there is no conflict that cannot be resolved by men and women of good will.

The media faces four pitfalls.

1. Disinformation. They publish part of things. This leads the reader to form an incorrect judgement about reality, only reading a biased part of the facts.

2. The second danger/pitfall is slander of other peoples reputation. Slander as the Barber of Saville has it is not a gentle breeze, it is a hurricane and leaves behind it destroyed reputations.

3. Defamation. People may have made mistakes in the past, then they may have asked for forgiveness, their behaviours may now be different. The danger is that the media in order to stamp their authority and to control the public discussion bring up the past again and again in new ways and that is defamation.

4. Wallowing and in the most brutal, voyeuristic stories. This is very sad, ugly, unpleasant and disagreeable. We are used to this in the media.

In my view, journalists must protect the dignity of persons and discuss what has happened without sullying it and distorting it. Journalists must confess their owns sins before they will treat other people with dignity.

Fr. Harry Clarke

Penticton