The Media Net Newsletter - Looking Ahead

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November Newsletter
 

Looking Ahead

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Terror attacks, the fracturing of the European Union and a polarising U.S. election - 2016 has been the year of bad news. As we get ever nearer to the close of this tumultuous year, as Christians in the media we have to ask 'can 2017 be a year of hope?'

A prayer written by Revd Dr Karin Achtelstetter - General Secretary of the World Association for Christian Communication - speaks to us in this time.
Communicating God, our father and our mother,
through your word creation came into being.
We affirm that all who craft words, sounds and images to promote justice,
to defend dignity, and to celebrate beauty and truth
are part of your eternal creative process.
 
Teach us that every human being is made in your image
and to respect people’s dignity;
Teach us to listen to those who only have a whisper,
a breath, and protect us from those who try to control our thoughts and speech;
Teach us to see, feel, taste, and smell the injustices in this world
and protect us from cynicism, sensationalism, and lies;
Teach us to uncover the beauty of the hope, love, and renewal
that blossom in the debris of conflict, greed and exploitation;
Teach us to heal ourselves in the face of experiencing trauma
that damages something within us;
Teach us to share the stories of those who gave us the privilege
of becoming part of their lives;
Teach us to turn our weapons of word and image
into the ploughshares of peace and reconciliation.

God in your Mercy, hear our prayer. Amen

Dates for Your Diary

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On Monday 9th January, the medianet will be hosting an evening panel event to ask the question 'what does the media landscape look like in 2017?'
From post-truth politics to emerging digital platforms, fake news trends to news story predictions, our panel of experts take a look ahead at what the media landscape will look like in 2017, through a Christian lens.
An informative, challenging event for Christians working in journalism, broadcasting and other parts of the media.
Speakers and panellists to include:
Tim Montgomerie - political blogger and columnist, The Times (chair)
Tim Plyming - Director of Content, Green Rock
Katie Harrison - Director, Faith Research Centre, ComRes
James Poulter, Senior Manager,  Social Media, LEGO Group

See more information on the when and where, and book your tickets, here. Earlybird discount available until the 9th December. 
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Our Day of Prayer for the Media on Sunday 28 May. This is an opportunity for churches, church leaders and us to focus on the media; to pray for those called to serve in the media and to pray for specific media areas of interest. Look out for more details about how you can get involved in the coming months, but do mark your diaries for this important day of prayer!

In Case You Missed It

After our 40th annual Church and Media conference at the RSA last month, we shared some of the panels and keynotes on our Youtube channel. Here is our of our favourites from the breakout sessions on getting our stories told in a multi-channel world, led by Tim Plyming. Hear more from Tim at our January event. Watch all our conference videos on our channel here
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Getting Our Stories Told in A Multi-Channel World

medianet meets...

This month we heard from two incredibly hard-working and inspirational women working in media, read their fascinating interviews on the blog to find out how they got their start, what they struggle with as a Christian in the media world, and what they would do if they ruled the world...
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Award-winning freelance journalist on religious affairs Hazel Southam.

Prayer Requests

A vital part of our work as the medianet is to foster community and fellowship for Christians working in the media, and a huge part of doing so is by praying for one another.

As we look ahead to the new year, we'd love you to send us your prayers - whether it be personal or work related. Send your prayer requests to hello@themedianet.org so that we may help to support you in your journey. All prayer requests will of course remain confidential unless you request otherwise.
Keep Up To Date on Our Website
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Broadcast journalist and news presenter Victoria Laurence
 
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God Bless

Steve Cox
Chair of the Church and Media Network
Source: themedianet.org