TV NEEDS EXTRA VIGILANCE TO GUARD THE FAMILY

Fr. Agnellus reviews U.S. shows in light of Papal guidance
THE beginning of television in Italy last week-end brought a 3,000-word letter from the Holy Father to the Italian Bishops tainting out that TV is "both a precious and perilous instrument." His Holiness calls on the Bishops, the clergy and the laity--especially Catholic Action—to "seize the initiative and make your presence felt in this field before it is too late."
The normal vigilance which should he exercised by public authorities over public shows is not sufficient because, the Pope points out, TV goes direct into homes and is seen by the whole family group—people of all ages and both sexes.
He speaks of "consoling results" from what Catholics have already done in countries which have had television for some time already, and looks forward to the time when stations all over the world will enable all to contemplate more fully the pulsating life of the Church_ But, turning to the perils, the Pope asks : "How can we be anything but horrified at the thought that through television the same atmosphere, poisoned by materialism, fatuity and love of pleasure, which is too often breathed in the cinemas, will now penetrate the walls of every home?"
MAMMOTH AUDIENCE
The fact that TV can he "both a precious and a perilous instrument" is vividly illustrated by the story told to THE CATHOLIC HERALD this week by Fr. Agnellus Andrew, the Bishops' representative with the B.B.C., of his recent experiences in the United States.
Fr. Agnellus points to the phenomenal achievement and success of Bishop Fulton Sheen speaking every week to a mammoth audience ---more than 15,000,000 people—in their homes about life and its problems.
On the other hand, he remarks that the drive for bigger and yet bigger audiences in the face of intense competition drives programme producers excessively towards programmes which pander to modern man's craving for sensationalism and excitement and passion. At peak viewing limes there is a great deal that Catholic people would not gladly welcome into their homes. See page1.