Vocation of a Catholic Journalist
By M. Antoinette Jerom, December 2, 2021
“We’re unashamed of being Catholic,” affirmed Dr. Peter Monthienvichienchai of LiCAS News, Thailand, at the outset of the second panel discussion of the SIGNIS Asia Journalism Desk’s webinar, Journalism in a Fragmented World. While focussing on the plight of those on the fringes of society in Asia, LiCAS also showcases the efforts of the Church in offering solutions to these problems. Though the world may perceive them through different lenses, Catholics nevertheless play a vital role in caring for and contributing to the betterment of the society.
Responding to a question on the difference between a journalist and a Catholic journalist, Monthienvichienchai explained, “When you put the word Catholic into whatever you do, you are identifying with a mission. You’re identifying not just with a faith, you’re identifying with a way of life, a value.” As a Catholic journalist one is bound to cross over towards activism in their work. Catholic journalists or publishers have a missionary mandate to create change for the better; this distinguishes them from non-Catholics.
Former executive producer with Mediacorp Singapore, Augustine Anthuvan, the second panellist, said that journalists need to be true to their mission, which is “to give voice to as many people as possible even if it hurts.” Sharing his experience of working with people of all faiths, Anthuvan did not identify any difference between the role of a journalist and a Catholic journalist as from his perspective, all are one and equal.
The role and expectations of NGOs with whom journalists work with was also discussed, based on a question raised by a participant. The responsibility of a journalist is to go into the field, witness the events and write the story the way they perceive and experience it. NGOs should not have any further expectations from journalists other than this. Journalists are not there for public relations purposes.
As a well-seasoned professional journalist, Anthuvan said that before he pursues a story that an NGO is engaged with, he asks the NGO, “Are you doing this? Are you offering aid unconditionally? Are there any strings attached to the aid? If they are not people of faith, are you okay with that?” He stressed that as journalists, Catholic or non-Catholic, one must stand firm in one’s principles and not entertain requests which would cause them to compromise.
Other articles published on the session:
https://www.signisasia.net/collaborative-journalism-a-way-towards-sustainable-journalism/
https://www.signisasia.net/cross-border-journalists-collaboration-and-technology-can-fix-the-world/
SIGNIS Asia Journalism Desk and LICAS News Asia are the organisers of the SIGNIS Asia Journalism Fellowship Programme on the theme “Journalism in a Fragmented World,” a seven-week programme for lay Catholic and like-minded journalists working in the secular media. Offered virtually, the seven-week webinar brings together 25 selected participants from 14 countries to build capacity and promote exchange among media professionals and journalists who want to use their platform for social change. Programme details: https://www.signisasia.net/journalism-in-a-fragmented-world-webinar-2021/