Catholic Media Journal

We received word today about some programming policy changes that will be voted on by the PBS Board next week. These changes would have an impact on religious programming, and would particularly affect those PBS stations owned by Catholic entities. I encourage you to read this information, and if you can provide feedback to PBS, please do so before June 12, 2009.

The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) is poised to vote on June 14-15 on a revised programming policy for its affiliated television stations which, among other policies, would not permit them to air “sectarian” programs. Part of its decision will include a definition of “sectarian.” PBS’ proposed definition appears to include such programs as “The Face: Jesus in Art” and “Walking the Bible”, but excluding programs which consist of religious services (such as the Mass). In a meeting with USCCB staff, PBS spokespersons said that its upcoming decision will be an attempt to balance the need for its affiliates to meet their statutory requirement to meet local needs and interests with a desire to prevent the PBS “brand” from being associated with particular religious views and beliefs. PBS is a private corporation whose members are the television stations affiliated with PBS, and is not a government agency, so constitutional concerns and arguments are not germane to this proposed policy. Nevertheless, PBS’ decision can be influenced by the opinions not only of its member-stations, but of the affected communities.

The national PBS leadership is receiving comments on its proposed “no sectarian program” rule from its affiliates, which include several stations owned by religious entities. Those include WLAE, a New Orleans PBS affiliate owned by a lay Catholic organization, KMBH, a Brownsville PBS affiliate owned by the Diocese of Brownsville and KBYU, a PBS affiliate owned by a division of Brigham Young University. The Archdiocese of Washington already has been informed by WHUT in Washington, D.C. that its Mass for shut-ins, which had been aired for years on that station, will be dropped.

PBS staff has [said] that the decision-making committee would find community reaction helpful. If you or your staff have a reaction to this proposed decision, please send an email or fax to: Helen Osman, Secretary of Communications, USCCB at hosman@usccb.org or 202/541-3129 before June 12, 2009. We will forward these comments to PBS immediately.

More information on this topic can be found at http://www.current.org/pbs/pbs0907sectarian.shtml.

Jim Coyle

During the past three weeks we’ve seen that many commercial newspapers in major cities stop printing, with many more announcing cutbacks in the number days they’ll print their paper, hoping readers will turn to their websites. More announcements like these are expected.

Magazines are also cutting back their frequency of printing. A newsweekly I’ve read for years went to a biweekly print schedule, then monthly in less than a year.

Most commercial newspapers and magazines rely on advertising sales for most or all of their income. As readership has dropped, advertising sales have dropped, often significantly. And lately, even with circulation levels that were viable a few years ago, advertising sales have been sinking faster, often because of the economy.

How are Catholic print publications faring? The economics may often be different because of diocesan support for their Catholic newspaper, for example, resulting in somewhat less dependency on advertising sales. But few Catholic publications are immune from the financial problems we’re experiencing today.

If you’re involved in Catholic journalism, what are you seeing and experiencing regarding your newspapers and magazines? How do you expect Catholic news to reach your audience next year, 5 years from now?

As a reader of Catholic publications, are you seeing changes in these publications? And are you changing the way you get Catholic news?

Let us know what you’re experiencing. You can write a comment here, leave a voicemail at our comment line (1-740-314-1830), or send me a message on Twitter: I’m @iJimCoyle.

Jim Coyle

The Office of Digital Media of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops offers daily scripture readings and reflections in audio and video formats online. One of the people we frequently see there is our friend Fr. Greg Friedman, OFM, from Cincinnati, Ohio. Depending on the day you’re reading this, Fr. Greg may be the person sharing the Scripture Reflection in this video.

These and other online resources from the USCCB are funded by the annual Catholic Communications Campaign in the United States, an important campaign to support.

Jim Coyle

One of the great things about Twitter is that many people share links to their own work, interesting things they’ve found related to work, or lots of times - just plain fun. One of the latest links I followed led me to Save the Media, a blog by Gina Chen, a Franciscan University of Steubenville journalism grad. As part of her introduction she writes:

I’ve been a newspaper journalist for 20 years, and I’m worried — but excited — about the future of the industry I love. I believe new media can help journalism evolve, so it can continue to be a watchdog of Democracy. But journalists have to be open to change and trying new technology.

Check out Gina’s blog, and be sure to follow the links that interest you.

Yes, Twitter can be a distraction. But it’s also a great resource for journalists. Best of all, it can be a way to keep in touch with friends and colleagues - just be sure it’s not the only way. Stay up to date with Gina by following her on Twitter. She’s bloggingmom67.

And of course, follow me too. I’m iJimC.

Jim Coyle

Individuals, ministries and organizations within the Catholic Church have been among the earliest and most successful adopters of audio and video podcasting since it began in late 2004. In this edition of the Catholic Media Journal Podcast, George Leite, an active Catholic podcaster from Massachusetts, shares how his growth as a Catholic and love of ministry through music led him to podcasting. George’s main podcast, Catholic Rockers, won the 2007 international award as Best PodSafe Music Podcast - an award which included music podcasts of all genres, not just religious music. 

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Information about the music in this edition of the Catholic Media Journal Podcast can be found here. And to  subscribe to our free podcasts, just Click here.

Jim Coyle