Catholic media bent for effective communication
by Mai Gevera
Davao City (26 October) -- Not just the mainstream media, but the Catholic media, as well, are consciously bent on making their craft more effective.
Thirty-two reporters of Veritas Pilipinas from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have recently undergone the Conference on Effective Networking and Communication last October 18-19 in Makati City.
The Catholic Media Network initiated the said conference, which is aimed to strengthen skills and sharpen attitude to the various talents of the Catholic media circle
After almost a year, Veritas Pilipinas, the simulcast Public Affair Programs of the CMN, has gone a long way.
"We welcome success stories, and stories with significant human experience that we can share to all the member stations of CMN.
Indeed, through Veritas Filipinas, simulcast over the participating stations of CMN, people get to know what's happening around the country.
"And in doing our work, let us never forget our edge, the Church. We are gathering news, and transmitting them nationwide, guided by the teachings of the church".
To give the best result on the Conference, CMN invited credible speakers who shared on their different expertise.
Mr. Ed Lingao of ABC-5 shared on the Principles and Techniques of News Gathering and News Writing for Broadcast.
Mr. Ariel Ayala, one of the seasoned anchors of Veritas Filipinas, helped in the critiquing of the works of the participants.
Equally important were Fr. James Reuter's insights on Values on Media.
Bishop Bernardo Cortez, the Chairperson on the CBCP Committee on Social Communications and Mass Media, also stressed that in media work, there is a longing for God's presence.
Bent on making the program more interesting, more inter-active, and more localized, Veritas Pilipinas laid out some plans for implementation.
Topping the list is an additional five-minute segment to the program, "Dito Po sa Amin", showcasing a member station weekly.
Then segment will feature the life of the people in the place of the member stations, their means of living, the church and political leadership, and the different tourist potentials in the respective areas.
At the finale of the conference, after the program assessment, it was agreed to add CMN to the original title of 'Veritas Filipinas", thus, the program is now called CMN Veritas Filipinas. (PIA/DXHM) [top]