wfn.org | Teleconference to launch NCC media awareness program

[DISCNEWS.parti@ecunet.org]

Date: February 21, 1997
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
Email: CWillis@oc.disciples.org
on the web: http//www.disciples.org

97b-8

     INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) --  "Family, Community and Media Values," a live 
teleconference on May 6 originating from Nashville, will launch the National
Council of Churches
"Media Awareness Year" program. 

      The national teleconference will examine the impact of pervasive media
messages on the
changing roles of family and community.  A panel of media literacy experts,
representatives from
faith groups, community leaders and media professionals "will discuss how
media influence our
lifestyles, with a close look at the relationship between media and two
defining issues of our time:
consumerism and substance abuse." 

     The NCC's Media Awareness Year coincides with the publication of three
statements
developed by its Communication Commission: "Violence in Electronic Media and
Film," "The
Churches' Role in Media Education and Communication Advocacy" and "Global
Communication
for Justice." 

     "Taken together, these three policy statements provide a strong basis for
people of faith to
understand how they can act in a media culture," said the Rev. David Pomeroy,
the NCC's director
of electronic media.  "The NCC plans to build on the focus of a  Media
Awareness Year' and
especially the kickoff teleconference in May in order to increase that level
of understanding." 

     During the year, the NCC will produce media literacy resources for
congregations that will
introduce the key concepts of media literacy to homes, schools, congregations
and communities. 
Those concepts include 
     *  critical viewing: learning to discern the meanings of media messages 
     *  critical analysis: determining the cultural, social, political and
economic influences on a
media message 
     *  creative production skills: producing media that create community,
value cultures and
respect human dignity 
     *  citizenship formation: understanding how the media work in society and
taking action
to challenge government and industry to do better. 

     More information about Media Awareness Year or sponsoring a downlink for
the
teleconference can be obtained by calling Mary Byrne Hoffmann at (914)
358-0624; fax: (914)
358-0679; or e-mail: MBH52@aol.com.

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