Go beyond the headlines February 11, 2021By Christopher Gunty Catholic Review Filed Under: Behind the Headlines, Commentary, Feature, Journalism You cannot get all your news from Facebook or Twitter. Even if you could, you shouldn’t, because you might not get the whole story. You have to go beyond the headlines. Several years ago, at a Catholic Press Association convention, one of the bishops on a panel about the changing media landscape noted how important it was for the church to be present “on Twitter and Facebook and whatever new platform has been created since we started our meeting this morning.” The crowd laughed, but he wasn’t far from the truth. Since that time, we have seen platforms come and go while others persisted. But these platforms don’t provide content; they host it and distribute it. Someone, somewhere, has to gather the stories, take the photos and videos, write the headlines, check facts, edit and put it all together, along with selling the ads to support the work. February marks Catholic Press Month in the U.S., so designated by the Catholic Media Association, the new moniker adopted in 2020 by the Catholic Press Association to acknowledge that not all Catholic media can be found in print these days. Cardinal John Foley, the dear friend of the Catholic press who started as editor of the Catholic Standard and Times in Philadelphia and eventually was president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications at the Vatican, often regaled Catholic journalists with stories about the importance of our ministry for our readers. “Like the crucifix above the bed in every Catholic home, a Catholic publication in the living room or the family room is a continuing reminder of our identity as Catholics,” the cardinal said. In the almost four decades I have worked in the media, specifically the Catholic press, a lot has changed about how we do what we do. But even more has changed about how people consume media. Catholic media span the spectrum from local to national publications, each with its own point of view or niche. At Catholic Review Media, we hope that we stay as close to center as possible. Certainly, our coverage on some issues, such as abortion and issues of sexual morality, would put us on the right, as most people perceive it. Our reporting on immigration and homelessness might be seen as on the left. The Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles don’t fit into neat compartments, either. If we get criticism from both sides on a regular basis, we are probably about where we ought to be. But more important than “where” we are is “why.” First of all, the Catholic Review provides a perspective you won’t get from other media. Our staff covers the Catholic beat full time. It’s not just an avocation, but a vocation. As most secular media outlets have eliminated full-time beats on religion, we ensure you’ll have the news and information you need about the church. Second, we print a magazine because that’s the most efficient way to deliver Catholic news to every home in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Even if you cannot get to church these days, we can bring you news from parishes near and far, as well as a message each month from Archbishop William E. Lori. You can read the magazine in digital format as well. Third, we are on the web (at CatholicReview. org), and on Facebook, Twitter, radio, YouTube and other platforms, so that wherever your faith takes you, we can be there with you to provide the Catholic view. The print magazine may be delivered monthly, but we have fresh stories and visuals on the web every day. You can get our twice-weekly e-newsletter delivered to your inbox by texting CRMEDIA to 84576. The award-winning team at Catholic Review Media – News Organization of the Year for large non-dailies in the Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association two years in a row – covers the Archdiocese of Baltimore from Oakland to Havre de Grace to West River and the parishes, schools and ministries in between – as much as our small staff can. In addition to the crucifix on the wall in your home, the Catholic Review wants to be there to help you live your Catholic faith, day in and day out. Email Christopher Gunty at editor@CatholicReview.org. Also see John L. Allen Jr.: A Man for All Seasons, at a Roman Table Crux editor, veteran Vatican journalist John Allen loses battle with cancer Russell Shaw remembered as ‘giant of the Church’ for contribution to Catholic communications Then and now Eyes on Christ Planting and reaping Copyright © 2021 Catholic Review Media Print
