wfn.org | Teleconference to Launch NCC Media Awareness Program

[PCUSA.NEWS@pcusa.org]

16-January-1997 
 
 
97024  Teleconference to Launch NCC Media Awareness Program 
 
                      by Jerry L. Van Marter 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--"Family, Community and Media Values," a live 
teleconference on May 6 originating from Nashville, will launch the 
National Council of Churches (NCC) "Media Awareness Year" program. 
 
     The national teleconference will examine the impact of pervasive media 
messages on the changing roles of family and community.  In particular, 
according to teleconference organizers, a panel of media literacy experts, 
representatives from faith groups, community leaders and media 
professionals "will discuss how media influences our lifestyles, with a 
close look at the relationship between media and two defining issues of our 
time: consumerism and substance abuse." 
 
     The teleconference and the NCC's campaign come at a time when 
Presbyterians are paying more attention to the effect of mass media on 
their lives.  For instance, the cover story in the January/February issue 
of "Presbyterians Today," "TV: Learning to  Read' What You Watch" by the 
Rev. Richard A.  Thompson, offers helpful suggestions on parenting in a TV 
age, taking responsibility for television violence and analyzing the subtle 
messages in advertising and broadcast news. 
 
     Thompson, a retired pastor and media specialist from Austin, Texas, is 
a volunteer media literacy resource coordinator for the General Assembly 
Council's Office of Communication. 
 
     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 can be obtained by calling 
Mary Byrne Hoffmann at (914) 358-0624, faxing her at (914) 358-0679 or 
e-mailing her at MBH52@aol.com 

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