The Metropolitan Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Ishaya Audu, has charged Catholic media practitioners to boldly deploy their professional expertise and faith in confronting the ethical distortions of modern media, bridging the communication gap with younger generations, and strengthening strategic communication within the Church.
The charge came during a high-level interactive session between the Archbishop and members of the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN), Jos Archdiocesan Chapter. The meeting served as both a spiritual and professional call to action, urging Catholic journalists to become the authentic “media actors” of the Church by communicating truth and promoting enduring Catholic values in an increasingly complex digital age.
A major focus of the engagement was the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its ethical implications on modern communication. Participants critically examined the dangers posed by deepfakes, realistic simulations, and AI-generated content, noting that fabricated images, videos, and voices are increasingly being used to manipulate public perception, destroy reputations, and spread falsehood.
Archbishop Audu drew a distinction between humanity’s role as “co-creators with God,” working to perfect creation, and the emerging trend of content manipulation that seeks to fabricate realities. He warned that the blurring of truth and fiction through technological advancements represents a modern version of the “Tower of Babel” mentality, where humanity attempts to replace God, ultimately undermining the dignity of the human person.
To address these challenges, the Archbishop encouraged media practitioners to study and implement the teachings contained in Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence, the recent document of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on AI ethics and human dignity.
The meeting also addressed the practical realities of evangelisation in the digital era, with participants acknowledging that traditional communication methods are increasingly failing to resonate with younger audiences, particularly Generation Z. The Archbishop stressed the urgent need for innovative media strategies that engage young people on the platforms and in the language they understand.
Among the key highlights of the meeting was the planned launch of Radio Maria in the Archdiocese of Jos. CAMPAN members were called upon to contribute their professional expertise towards the successful establishment and operation of the station.
The Archbishop further urged the Church to become more proactive in communicating its positions on pressing national issues, advocating greater synergy, regular engagement, and the establishment of a robust and adequately funded Communication Directorate within the Archdiocese.
Speaking during the interaction, Archbishop Audu reiterated that his foremost mandate remains the salvation of souls and accountability to God, rather than the pursuit of human approval or political correctness.
Reflecting on his pastoral visits to insecurity-prone communities, the prelate shed light on the complex factors driving the region’s security challenges, identifying banditry, illegal mining activities, and political instigation as major contributors.
While affirming that the Church must remain an unwavering voice of truth, he emphasised that communication should be guided by wisdom, strategic timing, and tact. On the issue of safety for parishes, schools, and communities, he noted that while faith in God remains paramount, the present realities demand practical and proactive security measures.
In his remarks, the Chairman of CAMPAN, Jos Archdiocese, Comrade Rowland Longs, highlighted the unique professional challenges faced by Catholic media practitioners, noting that the demanding and unpredictable nature of journalism often makes regular physical meetings difficult.
He assured the Archbishop of CAMPAN’s readiness to support the Church’s evangelisation mission through professional media engagement. However, he pointed out that while members work in various national media organisations, they do not own the platforms on which they operate.
“Because our members operate within commercial media spaces, the Church must begin to look inward and treat the placement of specialised news items, documentaries, and advertisements with commercial fairness,” Longs stated.
He concluded by appealing to the Church hierarchy to intentionally involve indigenous Catholic media practitioners in the formulation and implementation of the Archdiocese’s media and communications strategy.
The parley ended with a renewed commitment by both the Church leadership and Catholic media professionals to work together in advancing evangelisation, safeguarding truth, and effectively engaging the next generation in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
