Media’s professionals and educators have a responsibility to serve, lead, instill, and demonstrate attributes that enlighten their respective audiences.  How they carry out these responsibilities in “seeding” and “feeding” have consequences that can be a blessing or curse.  Bill Richardson (b. 1947), a governor of New Mexico observed, “Ignorance has always been a weapon of tyrants; enlightenment the salvation of the free.”  To “seed” and “feed” communities the right way calls for knowledge blended with love.  Ignorance is therefore a curse to any community.

 Essentials

Things “seen” and “unseen” have come down through the ages for us to pursue.  Christians in reciting the Nicene Creed attests to this divine truth.  It’s the foci of creative genius expressed in Christian literature.  Prayers of our dreams, hopes, and aspirations are demonstrated in religious writings and may be read in the catechism of the Catholic Church.  These truths play pivotal roles in our lives and have different meanings.

Like other professionals around the world Christian journalists must be free to investigate stories about poverty, famine, drought, and exploitation of the poor.  As gatekeepers it’s their responsibility to guard us.  As for “seeding” and “feeding,” journalists are like “bread and butter” in this century.  Cultural advancements are attributed to their diligence.

“Seeding”

In considering countries of Africa, Asia, or Latin America media and spirituality are allies having roles to play in their development.  Howard Schultz (b. 1953), chairman and CEO of Starbucks wrote, “When you’re surrounded by people who share a passionate commitment around a common purpose, anything is possible.”  Journalists dedicated to bringing about change in our society have to have the right vision for hope, and future growth.

Since November 1945, the United Nations, Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established in London, specialized in promoting global peace, and promoting educational and scientific research has made it possible for such realities around the world.  Crucial international issues affirmed in its charter were:

Citizens’ freedom of speech and religion

Freedom of the press

Individuals’ right to vote

Promoting democratic institutions

The equality of all persons

Since the mid-1940s, the UNESCO’s charter remains relevant today.

“Feeding”

James E. Faust (1920–2007), a religious leader and counselor in the first presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints remarked, “A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness.  It is an expression of humility.  It is the foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being.”  By reporting of such virtues journalists have to continue feeding their audiences.

To accomplish these goals call for media’s administrators supporting those journalists who are pursuing stories that uplift us.  These same individuals must view themselves as role models who are fair, decent, and progressive.  It’s therefore hoped that media’s enterprises reflect the diversity of their communities.  Good journalists must abide by community standards in promoting the cultivation and enlightenment of its citizenship.