Media persons should report factually and truthfully, says Abp. Gracias of Bombay

(23 Nov 2006) : “Report factually, truthfully and help foster a civil society based on justice, peace and harmony”, urged chairman of CBCI Commission for Social Communications while addressing Bishops, national communication secretaries and Catholic media persons on Wednesday, Nov. 22, in Manila. Praising the importance of media, Archbishop Gracias said, “The media’s great importance is undoubtedly accepted. But with greater importance come great responsibility and greater duties”. He cited technological advances and globalization, as the main factors contributing to the significance of media in the society today. “The media was always spoken as the fourth estate, but in the Indian context, it being one of the pillars of democratic society, is totally established”, affirmed Archbishop Gracias. “However, is it not gradually becoming in many places and many situations the main pillar for civil society”, he questioned. Shedding light on the duties of media personnel, the prelate said that they should become partners with us in building up the kingdom of God or in building up a just, harmonious, united progressive society.