Seven challenges

Which identity? Which content? For which readership? What image can be offered? How can public opinion be reconciled with faithfulness to the evangelical message? How can we grow? What use can be made of the new digital tools? These are the seven "challenges" faced by French Catholic press today, to which the Fédération francaise de la presse catholique (FFPC) dedicates a White Paper titled "Les sept défis de la presse catholique": 130 pages underlining the features of Catholic press across society and inside the Church, identifying the risks, described as "seven themes for the future". In the volume, with the afterword by Marc Gallo (Académie Francaise) – bring together the reflections of the notable experts and contemporary researchers. FFPC (www.presse-catholique.org) represents all French Catholic press, ranging from the national daily “La Croix” and national weeklies such as “Pèlerin” and “Famille Chrétienne”, to national periodicals, parish bulletins or issued by religious movements: a pluralist press with over two thousand publications with an overall annual distribution of more than 150 million copies. Follow excerpts from the volume. Identity. "The identity of Catholic press stems from a dual approach: a professional one (the press) and a theological one (the Church)". It is a "twofold" identity that is hard to relinquish. Thus, Catholic press must equally "meet professional requirements", investigate "the truth", "serve human communion", contribute to Gospel proclamation, promote "the dialogue between the Church and the world" and, finally, "serve the internal communion of the Catholic Church".Contents. "Closely bound to the question of Catholic identity" is the question of content. Quoting from Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, Catholic press should "see things the right way, it should be accurate and farsighted". Such contents are the same as the "secular" press, but here they are accompanied by an approach capable of unveiling its "deep truth" along with a "reflection" that will favour loving and intelligent Gospel proclamation". Which audience? How can a "difficult" audience be renewed? – a survey conducted in November 2010 revealed that 44% of the French population are aware of the existence of Catholic press, but only 11% are regular readers – whilst maintaining the current readership? The countersign is "fidelizing and spreading", developing a "new proposal that will meet yet unfulfilled expectations".Public opinion. In the quest for the truth, Catholic journalists face a "twofold necessity", namely, the need to find a balance between "social values and beliefs" and the "authority of Church Magisterium". In other words, "not everything can be placed at the same level". Instead, "it’s important to distinguish between essential values and truths" and "stances that are likely to change according to given situations".Development. Precariousness, new economic models, digital technology, concentration of media: questions that still entail "uncertain and complex" answers. The Catholic daily is "first of all an enterprise that must lead to a result. Often it’s linked to advertising; but it’s also a "community of people". Guidelines include "to propose a ‘complete picture’ and "step up bonds with the readers".Image. In a media world dominated by images, Catholic press "must clearly take stock the new situation, acting methodically and without complexes". According to the afore-mentioned survey, 56% aren’t aware of it, 15% describe it as "dynamic", 29% as "committed". An "uncertain" picture, which according to the authors of the White Paper sheds light on "the true potential of image development". A new visibility that reposes on its specific values, which include "undeniable professionalism", "recognized editorial independence", "a sympathetic approach", and a special "focus on global changes".Digital technology. "A formidable cultural choc": the curators of the volume thus define the digital revolution, underlining the temptation of considering it as "the greatest challenge launched today by the Catholic press". Even though "the web was created as a tool at the service of content", today "is has become a global medium that tends to absorb all others". Each citizen feels he’s almost "a journalist, or at least a messenger of information, as the Tunisia and Egypt revolutions have shown". This picture "leads many journalists to question their own role in society". "The entire economic and cultural model must be reconsidered", states the White Paper, highlighting the opportunities offered by the new scenario, which the Church "should welcome". First and foremost, the possibility "of enabling people living in distant world areas, and with different perspectives, to work together". Internet has brought a "deprofessionalization of news reporting". Hence the role of Christian (and not only Christian) journalists is to be truly professional by seeking the news, verifying it, putting it into context, making it accessible to the readers", distancing themselves ever more from "the emissaries of ready-made news".