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The Vatican to Launch Satellite TV Channel, H2O |
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THE VATICAN, March 15, 2007/Satnews Daily/ ― The Vatican intends to launch an international satellite channel called H2O by year-end to better communicate its views to the more than one billion Catholics worldwide. The new satellite channel will provide news and entertainment in seven languages.
Pope Benedict XVI recently criticized the media for its destructive influence. In a speech to the Vatican's communications department, the Pope called on the media to promote family values, human dignity and the common good.
“Undoubtedly, much of great benefit to civilization is contributed by the various components of the mass media,” said the Pope.
He praised quality documentaries and news services, wholesome entertainment, and thought-provoking debates and interviews. In 1996, the Vatican introduced its online portal nearly three years before the Italian state unveiled its own website. And it embraced digital and satellite technology early on.
"The Internet has opened up a world of knowledge and learning that previously for many could only be accessed with difficulty, if at all,” he noted.
The Vatican is among the 11 founding members of Intelsat (1964) and broadcast its first satellite coverage of Papal ceremonies 10 years later.
Radio Vaticana (Vatican Radio) is the official broadcasting service of the Vatican. Its programs are offered in 47 languages, and are sent out on short wave (also DRM), medium wave, FM, satellite and the Internet.
A few days later, the Pope met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ways to improve relations between the Roman Catholic and the Russian Orthodox churches. It was the Pope’s first official meeting with Putin.
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