Yesterday I was interviewed by KPBS–the local PBS affiliate–on the resignation of Pope Benedict and the upcoming conclave.
It was a brief segment–just five minutes, and they told us in advance that they were going to ask like six questions in that five minutes, so we have to be really concise.
What I was most interested in was the whole partisan/political way they tried to frame the issue. It was far more nakedly political than I’d guessed, especially for a network that tries to project an attitude of impartiality.
That’s GREAT, Jimmy. I can’t think anyone better suited to have these kinds of public conversations with the unbelieving world. You always appear kind, courteous, good natured, circumspect, orthodox and eminently reasonable. You are an excellent role model for the evangelizing Catholic.
Having to deal with the Press from time to time, I’ve concluded:
1. Almost all reporters are ignorant on any one topic they’re reporting on; and
2. The have to have a controversy in order to report it as a serious news story.
If, for example, it was found that every Catholic on the planet had determined to have conservative orthodox views, and the Metropolitan of Constantinople called the College of Cardinals and informed them that all riffs were healed and they would recognize the Pope as the head of the Church and that he had the Metropolitan of Moscow there with him, and they were in agreement . . .and the Archbishop of Canterbury announced that the whole reformation thing wasn’t working out, and they’d thought it over and the Church of England wanted back in with no conditions. . . but one single liberal Catholic dissenter was found in East West Thudpucker, they’d report there was a massive riff in the church.
There’s a reason why I have resisted all of KPBS’s pledge drives for the past 30 years. Self-important, PC blather and all its kindred sociopolitical symptomology. Although the triggering event, back then, for my dropping my subscription was their changing their radio format from a sort of funky, eclectic “Public Broadcasting” format to classical. There was, at that time, an excellent local classical station in San Diego (now, alas, years gone), and no apparent need for two. When I called to demand the return of Duck’s Breath Mystery Theare, etc, I was haughtily informed that the new format was selected in line with their “educated, sophisticate” target demographic. (The format change didn’t last long, but they’ve not had a dime, a denarius, a shekel, a floriin, or a sequin since from me!)
I am wondering about the religious background of the other person being interviewed along with Jimmy. Was she there to comment on the pope because she’s a Catholic, or because she’s a woman, or both or neither?
No trying to be snarky. Just curious.
Jimmy was the picture of composure.
Oh, and… two enthusiastic thumbs up on the beard.
Great job! Thanks for representing the Catholoc voice so well!
Very well done. Keep up the good work.
Jimmy, you did a beautiful job. You were very well composed, as always, and we are very blessed to have you as a spokesman for the Catholic Church.
It is very true that current reporters do not do their research before they interview anyone or report on an event. Unfortunately, they have become just talking heads and they often times look very foolish to those who really and truly know the facts.
Vivo Cristo Rey!
Great composure, you didn’t rise to their glaringly obvious bait.
Whoever that woman is, she’s deluding herself if she thinks there are going to be any changes in Church doctrine. She also needs to learn the difference between doctrine and discipline-women priests in our lifetime, but not Priestly celibacy? Yeah, you tell yourself that if it makes you feel better.
I would be happy with nearly any choice, but I hope Cardinal Turkson is selected as the new Pope.
@DecentFilms He did a good job, but if only he’d been in a longer segment. Good conversation cut short.
Wow! That was great. What a super, super job. Something tells me those two ladies might think about becoming Catholic one day.