So today is the National Day of Prayer.
They held an event at the courthouse in Waxahachie today and several local pastors and a few county employees gave prayers for various groups of people.
The media is normally one of the specific groups that are recommended to be prayed for, but we only got a line or so today.
It was interesting, “We pray for the media. They are the spokesperson’s of our day. I pray that they communicate the truth and not criticism and debate.”
Now don’t get me wrong, as a member of the media I appreciate any prayers we can get. But I’ve always thought the role of the media is to be critical. That doesn’t mean hateful. That doesn’t mean slanderous. But I feel we should be critical. What do you think? Should the media just stand by and only report what we’re told? Or should we be leary of everything and examine everything and look for every side of every story to reveal the truth?
Shouldn’t a healthy media spur and encourage debate?
If there was no debate, that would mean the media is simply feeding one side of a story and everyone is accepting it.
Or is that just me?
National Day of Prayer
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My friend sent me this… he asked to remain annonymous to avoid a “Google Portfolio”:
I don’t “get” that part of the prayer either. As one of its functions, the news media acts as a valuable check against governmental and corporate abuses.
I don’t think our media should be limited to parroting what they are told. Sure, its great to talk about (and repeat information) about community events and initiatives. But more than just “positive coverage” is needed.
Perhaps the speaker was concerned about adverse affects that can come from “critical” coverage?
Community leaders can be paranoid about negative press. Admittedly, I think the trickle down effect can be real. Focusing on negative reporting can feed a discontent among residents, make an area seem undesirable, and consequently lower property values and fuel emmigration from a community.
Perhaps you could get clarification about the speakers concerns?