Media practitioners urged to observe high ethical standards

Accra, Jan. 13 GNA - Archbishop John Patrick Foley, President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, on Thursday advised media practitioners in the Catholic Church to observe high ethical standards in their profession.

For instance, he said they should ensure fairness, accuracy, justice, decency and respect for life in their reportage. Archbishop Foley was speaking at a Public Lecture organized by the Catholic Association of Media Practitioners - Ghana (CAMP-G) and the Department of Social Communication of the University of Ghana in Accra. The lecture which attracted eminent Scholars and Researchers in Communication was on the topic: "Communication: Telling the Truth". Most Rev. Foley called on Catholics to share the good news about their Church and its services to the community as well as become open, truthful and accessible Spokespersons.

He said the Church must also play an active role by communicating to the community through both secular and religious media. He said the Catholic Church must produce excellent publications, radio, television and video programmes to give high visibility to the gospel and the mission of the Church.

Archbishop Foley further urged Catholics to lead exemplary lives to reflect what the Catholic Church was doing in the name of Christ. "If our lives are not exemplary, many people will not listen to our message because the messenger himself lacks credibility."

He said the Catholic Church must also strategise in the field of social communication based on sound media research, which had been subjected to informed analysis and evaluation.