Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cochin (Fides Service) - “Shalom Television” is the name of a new Catholic TV channel launched on 26 February in Kerala state in southern India. The programmes are in Malayalam and the TV is sponsored by the Syro-Malabar Catholic Bishops.
At the ceremony of inauguration, Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselios, President of the Syro-Malabar Bishops’ Conference said “Shalom Television” intended to spread positive values and respect for the human person, something which should be done by all means of communication: “The media play an important role in society - he said. They offer information and entertainment and they also influence the way people think and act. They have a considerable impact on society and public opinion. In this context Shalom Television will offer good quality programmes. The channel is for people who aspire for goodness and its organisers intend to promote goodness and positive values”. Archbishop Baselios praised Shalom publishing house for its weekly magazine on spiritual issues and without advertising. “This new Catholic TV channel shows that the people want programmes which promote values of justice, solidarity, harmony and respect”, said representatives of the civil authority present for the inauguration congratulating the director of Shalom Television a lay man Benny Punnathara who has an agreement to relay programmes of the well known US Catholic broadcaster EWTN. Shalom will broadcast programmes on spirituality, Sacraments, as well as education, art and music in the light of Christian values.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 3/3/2005 righe 22 parole 233)
