Argentinean archbishop criticizes ideological bias in state-run media

Buenos Aires, Argentina, Jun 16, 2010 / 02:45 am

Archbishop Hector Aguer of La Plata in Argentina criticized the ideological slant in Argentina’s official state-run media, which, he explained, saturates “viewers and listeners with their ideology.”

The archbishop noted that some channels have “very good programs.  But the strong ideological line and one-sidedness is noteworthy.  No pluralism exists, as corresponding to the country, especially in the state-run media,” he added.  

During the program, “Keys to a Better World,” Archbishop Aguer noted that many of the programs “are technically very good … but nevertheless the ideological virus is present.  It is just another one of the defects of the media,” he said. 

He then encouraged Argentineans to voice their objections to government and media officials.

Archbishop Aguer also referred to the quality of Argentinean radio and television programs. Television today is far from being an authentic means of personal and familial development.” On the contrary, he said, the media has become a powerful agent of the “dumbing down” of culture.

The media offers “wonderful possibilities” but “needs to be explored adequately,” the bishop continued. “The message is what matters, not the media itself.  And this message can only be conveyed by people … who adhere to the truth, to goodness, to beauty, and who wish to led authentic service to society,” the archbishop concluded.