Media should foster dialogue

NO one can deny that the media play a very important role in society. They
are crucial in the task of transmitting news, promoting culture and development, and eliciting public opinion.

It is specially in the task of eliciting public opinion that they can exert great influence on the people, since they not only monitor but also shape public sentiments.

For this reason those involved in media should realize their need to be firmly and correctly grounded on what is our authentic common good, the ultimate guideline for everyone, and also adept in the art of fostering dialogue.

The idea is for media to have a very clear understanding of the common good and the expertise and prudence to achieve it. Of course, this is a dynamic thing, thus everyone should take time to study the concrete requirements of the common good at any given moment. This is a constant task.

One big disappointment that can be observed sometimes is the impression that some media people seem not to have a good understanding of the common good. They appear confined to private, sometimes openly selfish, interests clearly at odds with the common good.

This situation can only lead to conflict and disaster, and often can poison the atmosphere to the detriment of everyone. This should be avoided as much as possible.

Thus those in media should always feel the need for ongoing formation. Good intentions are not enough. Neither is the possession of some data. Much less
should one write or speak in public just because he is hired. Professionalism has a much deeper meaning than that one is simply paid for his service.

That those in media should also be adept in the art of fostering dialogue is due to the need to achieve as wide a participation as possible of people in the continuing discussion of public issues. Dialogue helps much in clarifying issues.

The idea is to make everyone responsible for the society we have, albeit in
varying degrees. It’s true that while the principles and elements of the common good can be clear, their application to relevant concrete situations can be tricky.
Thus, some kind of ongoing dialogue among all parties of society should be
fostered. And, therefore, the proper atmosphere for a healthy and substantive dialogue should be created and maintained.

This is where the media can play a truly important role. They can start by always reassuring everyone that they are open and receptive to all views, and prove this with their actions.

While those in media can assume a specific position with respect to an issue—social, economic, political, cultural, etc.—they should see to it that this stance does not turn off other people with different views.

Thus, opinions that are within the bounds of faith, morals and the common
good, should not be dogmatized as if they are the only correct opinions and the others are necessarily wrong. They should be given due consideration.

For this, good manners in the exchange of opinions should be maintained and fostered. Inflammatory talks and articles should be toned down. The public should be given as wide a variety of positions on an issue as possible. Wanting to dominate or to have the last word, is always impolite at the very least.

It is quite painful to see and hear media people posturing about as if they have the exclusive possession of what is right and correct. While they can be strong on their points, they should never forget to be personable and open-minded to everyone, especially to those who disagree with them.

To achieve greater balance and objective, a certain detachment from one’s views is always a must. This is normal in ordinary conversations. This should be more so in the field of public opinion.

It’s good that from time to time, media people should submit themselves to
some reality check, because they can tend to build their own world, their own virtual reality. An appropriate system should be found.