Something to say” “

I have often wondered if I was wasting my time when I was teaching philosophy. Over 20 years I taught about 60 courses, and one principle I tried to share with students came in the form of a Latin phrase: Quidquid recipitur ad modum recipientis recipitur – in other words, when we have something to say, we must say it in a way that suits the listener. This has nothing to do with content, but with the way people hear what we say. Some of my former students complain about how little people understand of what has been said in sermons or in the teaching of the Church. But others have since become expert communicators on television and radio; some have made excellent films and others write and preach extremely well. That is one of life’s consolations, since it means I have not failed completely, and – much more important – now more than ever the Church needs to make herself heard clearly. A seminar on Catholic television projects in Europe, held in Rome on 18th September, was a symbol of an enormous change in the Church in Europe. It was organised by the Fondazione Comunicazione e Cultura, at the Italian Bishops’ Conference headquarters in Rome. What was special about it? 19 countries were represented, but 10 – more than half – were in Central and Eastern Europe. This means the true voice of the European Church is now being heard clearly, and its real face is there for all to see. But what hits home very quickly is that the last 15 years have brought us all closer in Europe in more ways than one might think. Now it is clear that, despite cultural and economic variations, Catholics face more or less the same challenges all over Europe. Technological changes in television broadcasting, and new patterns of ownership and distribution, mean it is unlikely that Catholics will be able to own and operate their own television services, and access to time on public television is more and more restricted. One of the most likely solutions may be a partnership with other religious bodies in joint operation of a “special interest” channel. However, religious radio broadcasts reach far greater numbers; it is striking that television and print media are becoming less and less important, while radio and internet seem to be the instruments for the Church to use in the future. At the seminar, and at the annual meeting of the European Bishops’ Media Committee that took place on 19th and 20th September, questions were raised about content and style of religious broadcasts. Restricted space for religious programming, linked to the huge demand for answers to spiritual questions, suggest that it is important to offer “spirituality” as well as traditional religious broadcasts. Some questioned the suitability of televised Masses; radio is probably a much more appropriate medium for this kind of “experience”. Besides, people who are simply in search of answers are attracted less by standard religious celebrations, but quite open to programmes that take their questions and doubts seriously. These programmes are not meant as a replacement for sound Christian doctrine, more as a first encounter and invitation. Perhaps the most important point was a convergence among participants at both meetings on one principle: that whatever we broadcast ought to be “audience-led”. Otherwise we speak to a very faithful but dwindling group of people.