The radio, a tool that retains its validity

“A reflection on the ideal Catholic radio station” was at the center of the 2015 meeting of the Bishops Commission for culture, cultural heritage and social communications of Portugal and of the Bishops Commission for the media of Spain, held a few days ago in Guadix, Spain. The meeting chaired by Archbishop Ginés García, President of the Commission on the means of social communication of the Spanish Bishops’ Conference, was aimed at pooling various aspects inspired by the model Catholic radio station, its topical relevance, the difficulties experienced in this sector and the keys to the creation of a radio station of Christian inspiration, ranging from the general to the more specific aspects. For this reason, after the meeting was drafted a final message with a set of conclusions on the subject of Catholic Radio. Professionalism and dedication. “All of us, the bishops members of the Commissions on Communication of the Bishops’ Conferences of Portugal and Spain, have celebrated our annual meeting in Guadix, from June 8-10, to share our pastoral commitment in the framework of social communications”, the prelates said in their final message. On this occasion “the theme we focused on was ‘the model of Catholic radio’, with the participation of the president of public Catholic radio stations in Spain and Portugal, Fernando Giménez Barriocanal, for Cope” (Spain), “and Joao Aguiar Campos, for Radio Renascença” (Portugal), “and of the Secretary General of the Spanish Bishops’ Conference José María Gil Tamayo”, the bishops pointed out. The Spanish and Portuguese prelates offered four themes for reflection at the end of the meeting. “We appreciate and recognize the commitment, professionalism and dedication of all those whose efforts, despite the present difficulties, contribute to the development of the Catholic radio in Portugal and Spain; especially those linked to the Bishops’ Conference with their various formats and products conveyed on various platforms. In Spain, Cope, Cadena Cien, RockFm, Megastar and, in Portogallo, Renascença, Rfm, MegaHits, Rádio Sim”, the bishops wrote in their statement. An ideal that should be known. “We hereby highlight the ideal that inspires Catholic radios, that should be known, respected and promoted. This identity should be present throughout the organization and its structure, in a cross-cutting way”, said the prelates, for whom “people working for these communication projects have the right and duty to learn about this ideal, make it known and implement it. The professionals working for these radios should give visibility to Catholic identity and show closeness to the public”. Christian, human formation. “In addition to technical training, we ascribe equal importance to further human and Christian formation of the radio staff”, the bishops pointed out in their message. For this reason, “as representatives of Episcopal commissions we hereby convey our full availability in cooperation with radio networks and Communication departments connected with the Church”. In these radios, the bishops added, “specifically religious programs should feature the same standards and the same expertise as the other radio programs”. Moreover, “the radios connected to the Church should incorporate the principles of Church social doctrine within their administration and management”. From the perspective of the broadcasting station. “The experience of this meeting has enabled us to draw close to the realm of communication from the perspective of the radio. By acknowledging the efforts of those working for this means of communication we have at heart all the professionals who continue suffering for the consequences of the current economic and social crisis”, the bishops said. “We pray our Lord to help all those who offer a service to the dissemination of truth, of authentic freedom and human dignity of the means of communication”, concluded the prelates of the two Countries.