austraLasia
1415
Media - powerful
means of communicating values in PNG
PORT
MORESBY: 29th January 2006 -- Eleven practical trainees working in PNG,
indigenous to the nation and from elsewhere around the world, commenced their
Media Seminar with the novena to St John Bosco on 22nd January. The
seminar was held at the Emmaus Retreat and Delegation House in East Boroko, Port
Moresby. "It's a time for fraternal sharing of your experiences, an input on an
aspect of ongoing formation and a time for recommendations in your practical
training duties", Fr Luciano Odorico, PNG-SI Delegate reminded them at the
beginning. He read out a message from Fr Julian Fox sent int he name of Fr
Scaramussa, General Councillor for Social Communications, which highlighted the
need to employ the power of communications for greater effect on the
young. He also invited them to share news for the Salesian world,
especially through austraLasia and ANS.
One particular
highlight of the three day event was the visit to the FM100 Radio station, a
visit which featured prominently in the 'positives' of the evaluation the
brothers offered at the end. "Ours is a family station", stated Mr. Lahui
Lovai, Programme Manager at Kalang FM100. He outlined the station's
mission and stressed the proactive role of response through daily talk-back
programmes. The visit gave the brothers an opportunity to better
understand broadcasting, production, maintenance, sales and marketing, and
dealing with community issues through constant surveys. "It's great to
know that Christian values underline a commercial station and their interests in
issues that concern the young", commented participant Bro. Tolentino
Darwin. "The formal visit to FM100 was a powerful reminder of
professionalism in conveying good values to the community. Perhaps we can
do the same", added Bro. Tupe Malopito from Samoa, but working in PNG.
"The visit, highlight of the seminar, stressed the focus of the media in
informing, educating and entertaining the people", said Bro. Tangi
Canute.
Understanding the different parts of the newspaper
gave them insights for their own school newsletters. "Filled with new ideas we
hope to make our newsletter creative and interesting to read", said Bro. Angel
Sanchez. "Analysing news items will enable us to read, write and spot
relevant issues for the young, and share news items in our institutes", said
Bro. Joseph Tran Phuoc Tinh.
Taking their cue from
advertisements, the brothers made posters with messages relevant to life.
Brief film and song analysis has given them possibilities for critically
understanding the subtle messages communicated through the media. "We need
to be pro-active and creative as we send out our messages", Bro Charles Caspa
indicated. Several of the participants expressed their appreciation for
the insights received and have committed to writing articles and sharing with
the young. In a land with a difficult terrain, and limitations in travel
and communications, time will be the best judge of that! The participants
were sorry to have missed out on the musical input precisely because transport
difficulties prevented the presenter from making it to Port
Moresby.
The seminar concluded on 24th January, Feast of
St. Francis de Sales and the day when the Holy Father released the full text of
his World Communications Day message. "It has been great interacting and sharing
with you", said Fr Ambrose Pereira, facilitator of the seminar.
"Commitment, witness and networking will enable us to get the message out", he
concluded, as the seminar drew to a close. At the Eucharist on the 24th,
Bro. Tupe Malopito renewed his profession. A short entertainment
followed.
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