263, Sep 2005
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A twelve step programme for TV addicts, takes a Christian view of the damage TV can do, and how to stop watching it. David Cromwell of Media Lens guides us through the failure the World Tribunal on Iraq to appear in the media, and what we can do about it. Colin Lloyd of the Media and Health partnership writes about why Malaria should still be a news issue, and links to Media and Health resources for journalists. WACC scholar Mr Lwin Min Win gives Media Action interview. The WACC Latin America meeting in Argentina is reported and Jackie Lubeck of Theatre Day Productions in Palestine has put together images of murals on the Israeli 'apartheid wall'.
Father John McCloskey
Is watching television a problem in your home? The average American family watches more then seven hours of television a day. From a Catholic standpoint, it becomes not simply a question of the use of leisure time, but also an issue of morality.
An axiom of traditional moral theology is that we try never to place ourselves in occasions of sin. And it is safe to say that the overwhelming content of today's television programming does not have a positive influence on its viewers. It does not reflect in any substantial way, except accidentally, a Catholic view of the meaning of life.
David Cromwell
"The best relationship with our viewers is no longer one of parent-child but of consenting adults trying to piece together the best picture of the world." (Roger Mosey, head of BBC TV news)
"A good case can be made that propaganda is a more important means of social control in open societies like the United States than in closed societies like the late Soviet Union... This system of thought control is not centrally managed... It operates mainly by individual and market choices, with the frequent collective service to the national interest arising from common interests and internalised beliefs." (Edward Herman)
World Tribunal? What World Tribunal?
Colin Lloyd
As summer rolls up in the northern hemisphere and the mosquitoes begin to emerge and multiply in the heat and stagnant pools of water near your annual holiday destination, you may want to consider yourself lucky that the worst you can expect from this tiny pest is a painless bite followed by a red bump and a persistent itch. Many of us do not consider that, in many parts of the world, this same insect may leave behind a deadly parasite.
Lwin is a WACC scholar who studied MA in Communication at the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies, a one-year degree validated by the University of Leeds that he finished in 2003. His dissertation focused on strategies for the Baptist Mission Bicentenary that will take place in 2013.
Verónica Biech
El pasado mes de julio, en la ciudad de Buenos Aires, se realizó el Encuentro Subregional Cono Sur de la Asociación Mundial para la Comunicación Cristiana (WACC). De visita por la ciudad, para asistir al III Congreso Panamericano de Comunicación, el presidente de WACC América Latina, Dennis Smith participó de dicho encuentro. El derecho a la comunicación de los migrantes, los aborígenes y la integración de las nuevas tecnologías fueron los ejes principales.
The Wall
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A section of the wall at Qalqilya
A WACC project holder in Palestine has sent us these images, taken by different photographers, showing how art can confront repression - murals on the Israeli West Bank Barrier. For more information on the wall see http://www.stopthewall.org/ or the Wikipedia entry on the barrier. The 425-mile (680-kilometre) long barrier, made of concrete walls and razor-wire fences, is still being erected by Israeli authorities. The first five paintings shown were done by Banksy, a British artist who describes the barrier as "the ultimate activity holiday destination for graffiti writers". Other photos show how the wall doesn't appear so oppressive on both sides.
The International Court of Justice has ruled that Israel's West Bank barrier is illegal and construction of it should be stopped immediately. The ruling said the barrier's construction was "tantamount to annexation" and impeded the Palestinian right to self-determination. Read more.