Journalists from different church publications in Asia team up to fight fake news and strengthen evangelization efforts through the media during a conference organized by SIGNIS Asia in Kuala Lumpur on Aug. 14 to 16.
As in other demographics, religion is a field that has become prey to the so-called “fake news” and disinformation.
Faced with these and other challenges, Catholic journalists in Asia seek to strengthen themselves through networking and updating.
On Aug. 14 to 16, Catholic editors and journalists gathered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to work toward the promotion of regional collaboration and regular training in Catholic journalism.
In a post-meeting statement, the journalists did not provide a solution to fake news but said that they can do something about the misguided reporting about the church and their societies.
“We abhor sensationalism and fake news and we resolve to abide by the Gospel values of truth, honesty and transparency in our ministry,” part of the statement read.
“We shall strive to stand for and with the Church to uphold hear greater good, especially in promoting justice and services to the poor,” it stated.
Convened by the Asian chapter of SIGNIS, a Vatican-recognized lay organization of Catholic communicators, the meeting reflected on the theme “Peace Journalism in a Viral Culture”.
At least 18 journalists attended the gathering coming from the Philippines, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Korea, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Speakers include SIGNIS World President Helen Osman and Dr. Peter Rachada Monthienvichienchai, Executive Director of the Union of Catholic Asia News.
Fr. Pakkam Michael Harris of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, and Fr. Paul Samasumo of the Vatican Radio also updated the participants on the reforms and operations of the Vatican media. (CBCPnews)