To renew oneself is to grow

"To renew our skills, content and readership": this was the theme of the 17th Francis de Sales seminar of the French Catholic press, held January 23-25 in Annency, birthplace of Francis de Sales. Sarah Numico interviewed for SIR Europe Bernard Bienvenu, president of the French Federation of Catholic Press – FFPC – (www.presse-catholique.org). During the meeting the Italian Federation of Catholic weeklies – FISC – (www.fisc.it), launched the proposal of a new "coordination" of European Catholic journalists.What should be the task of Catholic journalists in times of crisis? "I believe that the mission of the Catholic press is, above all, to be professional. Then, we have to observe, seeking to understand the reasons for the present situation. Since these are times of disorientation and depression – although our situation is not more difficult than that of our neighbours or of developing Countries – we have the responsibility, more than others, to convey the reasons why we believe in the future. We can do so by seeking at local level, across cities, enterprises and associations, the signs of the future without imparting lessons. Nor must we expect to change situations to match our tastes".During the meeting the theme of dialogue between the young and ‘adult’ generations of journalists was addressed on several occasions. What picture emerged from the debate? "It would be wrong to speak of a divorce between generations. However, a latent conflict between the youth and adults lingers on. Perhaps the older generation ought to reflect on their professional and cultural security. The youth are different from previous generations, as has always been the case. There is also a so-called risk of ‘digital rupture.’ The youth are more familiar with new technology platforms compared to adults. In fact, such platforms develop at a very rapid pace. But I tend to rule out the possibility of a cross-generational conflict. Moreover, very few young people are members of the editorial staff, also due to budgetary cuts. It must be added that young journalists said they expect adults to ensure them ‘employability’, i.e. the opportunity of being on the job market but with less precariousness, and because it impacts the profession as a whole".Speakers also focused on the relationship between digital and printed news. How should we imagine the future? "There certainly is an ongoing revolution in the use and consumption of information, owing to social networks and tablets, which perhaps, more then computers, are the real competitors of printed press as they enable greater comfort in reading. Today there are very different experiences, which under many aspects are also contradictory. From the magazines that thrive on paper, without publicity, to digital communication where some believe that journalists are no longer needed. Finally, the lack of an economic model that predicts the passage to a new tool whereby the work of professionals will be paid is reason for concern. Another problem is that the model of the press is rapidly decreasing while the growth of digital news is not enough to make up for the drop in printed press. This is a worrying also – and not only – in economic terms". Also Europe, and its difficulties, was an item of debate. What contribution can Catholic journalists give to the common home? "Europe appears to be technocratic. We no longer perceive the political vision that brought about its birth, endorsed for a long time by its populations. Journalists’ mission is to show that Europe is a formidable experience of decades of peace. However, there should also be a vision that decrypts what Europe represents as a project, thus highlighting its content. We shouldn’t be content with the small things of Europe. Rather, we should highlight its strong and significant aspects. Here too it is necessary to give voice to the resistance, meant as resisting to pessimism and disruptive criticism, showing that Europe is a beautiful adventure. The proposal of a European experience that brings together Catholic journalists, launched a few days ago in Annecy by the Italian Federation of Catholic journalists, should be cultivated and concretized". Which of the messages that emerged in Annency should be highlighted the most? "Lengthy debates focused on digital news. But we must not forget, despite everything that is said on this issue, that journalists are first of all people who are in touch with all those living in cities: closeness is indispensable to ‘feel’ the world. Today the risk is that journalists could be those who only report the news only online, and no longer amidst the people and society. In this way they risk failing to understand what’s really happening".