TELEVISION — THEMISTIUS
They shall be presented with respect and dignity by its representatives.
3) Duties toward children. To present a just vision of the world, avoiding everything that might arouse the violence of instincts. To produce programs adapted to them, and to take every precaution especially during the hours of the day when they may be watching programs. To instill in them, through television, moral and social ideals, concepts of submission and respect for parents and authorities.
4) Decency and decorum. Care shall be taken to maintain the utmost dignity in the presentation of figures, with regard to anatomical parts, clothing, attitudes, movements, especially in dancing. Good taste and delicacy shall be exercised in all that in any way relates to sex.
5) Duties toward the community. The producer of television and his staff must remember that they perform a function in favor of the community and must strive to obtain the good of their fellow citizens.
6) News and political commentary. True news shall be transmitted, with commentary distinct from the news report, characterized by a marked balance; alarming and inflammatory news shall be avoided, especially in the criminal sphere. Commentaries shall serve to complete and enhance the public’s knowledge.
7) Public controversies. — 8) Political television.
9) Religious programs. Due space shall be accorded to them, avoiding attacks on any religion; the utmost respect shall be observed throughout the program: the services of worthy persons; emphasis shall be placed on strictly religious truths, above partial or polemical viewpoints not directly connected with religion and morality; a just proportion shall be given to transmissions prepared by different beliefs.
10) Announcements. — 11) Acceptance of announcements for pharmaceutical products. — 12) Presentation of gifts. — 13) Rules and procedures to be followed for the application of the Code.
These noble aims must be translated into reality, never subordinating the ethical criterion to the economic or commercial one, as the vast majority of the public demands.
### III. Television and Catholics
The importance that television can have as an instrument of apostolate is evident. Catholics have in fact sought to make use of it and to be present in order to guide its work according to the ethical requirements recalled above. Significant achievements have been made in various countries, but especially in the United States of America and in France. Work in this field is particularly fostered and promoted by the Association Catholique Internationale pour la Radiodiffusion et la Télévision, UNDA, founded in 1928. It has its headquarters in Fribourg (Switzerland) and a network of centers and correspondents throughout the world. Its program is to coordinate Catholic activities in the fields of radio and television; to promote the establishment of Catholic organizations concerned with radio and television; to cooperate with other institutions of a similar spirit; to prepare programs for radio and television. Its president is Fr. J. B. Kors, O.P.
The action of Catholics in this field takes many forms: religious broadcasts for parishes, television clubs, schools for the training of competent personnel, action within families, the press in the service of television, education in television criticism, influence on programs, etc.; and all this on an international level where television can be a valid factor in the unity of the world. It should also be noted that Mass viewed on television does not fulfill the precept of the festive obligation. The papal blessing, however, received by television, is valid (AAS, 31 [1939], 277).