Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 459 – Part III.

YOUCAT Question n. 459 - Part III. What ethical responsibilities are connected with the communications media?

(Youcat answer - repeated) Media producers have a responsibility toward media consumers. Above all they must truthfully inform. In both the gathering and the publication of real news, the rights and dignity of individuals must be observed.

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2497) By the very nature of their profession, journalists have an obligation to serve the truth and not offend against charity in disseminating information. They should strive to respect, with equal care, the nature of the facts and the limits of critical judgment concerning individuals. They should not stoop to defamation. 2497 

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) The means of social communication should contribute to the establishment of justice, freedom, and solidarity in the world. In actual fact, the media are not uncommonly used as weapons in ideological conflict, or else, in a quest for higher ratings, all ethical regulation of the content is abandoned and the  media are turned into instruments for seducing people and making them dependent.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2498 a) "Civil authorities have particular responsibilities in this field because of the common good.... It is for the civil authority... to defend and safeguard a true and just freedom of information" (IM 12). By promulgating laws and overseeing their application, public authorities should ensure that "public morality and social progress are not gravely endangered" through misuse of the media (IM 12 § 2).

(This question: What ethical responsibilities are connected with the communications media? is continued)