‘They say, with misguided reasoning, “Let us lie in wait for the virtuous man, since he annoys us and opposes our way of life, reproaches us for our breaches of the law.”’
(see Wisdom 2:1,12-22)
The ‘News International’ phone hacking scandal was a controversy involving the now-defunct News of the World and other British newspapers owned by Rupert Murdoch. Employees of the newspaper were accused of engaging in phone hacking, police bribery, and exercising improper influence in the pursuit of stories. They targeted celebrities, politicians, members of the Royal Family but also the phones of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler, relatives of deceased British soldiers, and victims of the 7 July 2005 London bombings. The public outcry led to several high-profile resignations.
The media has a significant and responsible role to play in society which means that, whilst it has a duty to report news, it also needs to act in a moral and sensitive way. If the search for stories means unfairly encroaching on people’s privacy and their difficult situations, and treating them without respect and dignity then it is failing.
We too, in any narrative that we tell, and any news we pass on to others must be mindful of the effects of our words. It can be very easy to delight in the downfall of others. How can we contribute to a narrative that is good and fair, and share news that is honest?
PRAY FOR those who work in the media, and for a considered reporting, a careful use of words, and for our own responsibility in being gentle with our words.
Our daily reflections for Lent focus on the many injustices which exist in our world, as we seek to connect our life of prayer to social justice, the Justice of God which Christ proclaimed. More resources are available at www.southcardiffministryarea.co.uk/just-lent
South Cardiff Ministry Area 