Times change. The institutions that seemed to be enduring without extinction are, in fact, showing a new face. The free press is a necessary piece of the social political structure in a democratic representative society. Newspapers and broadcast news were traditionally the trusted sources of information, and a window to the events of the world. Everything evolves, and as change can be unnerving to some, it must be looked at as inevitable and, in some cases, exciting. I remember the big three networks as the only source of major broadcast news, with a few local channels in large cities. Cable TV and talk radio began the downward spiral of influence for these legacy institutions. The introduction of the news channels with their 24-hour cycle brought constant coverage which also led to fatigue.
Last week while in Chicago I drove past the former distribution center for the Chicago Tribune. To my surprise the two large buildings were abandoned, one bearing a for sale sign and the other being demolished. A sign of the times. Great newspapers like the Tribune not only brought the morning news but had afternoon versions. If big news happened, there were often special editions. In many old movies you see a young man holding up a newspaper saying “Extra, extra, read all about it.”
As a young man I delivered the Herald American, the later edition of the Chicago Tribune every afternoon. The other newspaper, Chicago Sun Times, had the afternoon Daily News. Having a paper route was for many a first job, myself included. Riding my bike and learning the art of tossing the rolled-up paper onto the front porch of the bungalows that dotted my neighborhood became an art form. Walking the paper up several 3-story buildings brought better tips when I would do my collection at the end of the week. Early entrepreneurship was in my blood! The reality was that many older people appreciated the extra effort. They looked forward to opening the paper and relaxing in a comfortable chair.
Many magazines and print publications have gone away. We discontinued printing Soul magazine in 2023 as the demand for subscriptions decreased to the point that we could not afford the cost of producing, printing and mailing this benchmark publication of our apostolate any longer. A smaller, quarterly newsletter format was adopted, but even this has been only mildly received.
Despite this difficult change, we have not gone away!
The fact is that people, especially young people today, prefer to receive news timely, in electronic format, and in brevity. The proliferation of podcasts and blogs testifies to this reality. Whatever the subject, they can find someone opining their views. It is true that many are basement warriors, but many more are mainstream celebrities who have found their audience in the blogosphere.
This election showed how much influence the new media had compared to the “legacy media”. Most of the major newspapers did not endorse a presidential candidate. Jef Bezos, owner of the Washington Post, commented that the influence of these old grand publications has faded. It may be a testimony to the fact that the more things change, the more they stay the same. The “great” networks started out small and grew in influence over time. Small media, however, emphasizes the power of the people.
What does this mean for us and our outreach today? It is a time of great opportunity. The internet and the media that has sprung from it is inundated with anti-God content. Countering this with solid Christian Catholic content that can overtake the culture which presents itself as mainstream, is a Baptismal duty. We must proclaim the Gospel message in the public square – wherever that is. The message of our apostolate is the same whether it is written on paper or shown on a screen. We intend to present it in new and different forms, that include print in many cases, but also audio and video distributed through social media. Through prayer we look to inspire people, especially young people, to find the truth in the words of God, spoken especially through Our Lady at Fatima.
People are always hungry for information. Things move fast today. What could be covered in a quarterly publication years ago becomes quickly irrelevant. “Extra, extra, read all about it” is still the call today, but this news is delivered differently now. Perhaps, however, we need to take a deep breath, discern what is urgent and focus on the prize that is found through patience.
The reality is that the message that we present is timeless, just as the Catholic faith is timeless. The requests of Mary 107 years ago to seek holiness has not changed. Adherence to the rules of our Faith that has been the call from God since creation has not changed. Defiance of His will has unfortunately been the choice of humanity consistently. Changing that mindset is our duty. Through our media we hope to bring this about. Stay tuned!
God bless you and Mary keep you in her Immaculate Heart.
David M. Carollo is the Executive Director of the World Apostolate of Fatima USA/National Blue Army Shrine. He wrote this for his Voice of Fatima column.
If you would like to comment on this post, please contact him at [email protected].
