Even the Pope worries about the news business.
In an age when news programming often helps polarized and outspoken hosts and anchors separate their audiences, the world’s most prominent group of news executives flew to Rome to provide a commitment to ideals such as fellowships and truth.
The News Chief traveled to the “World Conference on Human Fraternity.” This is the third year event in 2025, and is inspired by a recent comment from Pope Leo XIV that “the lack of hope can be attributed to the fact that the lack of hope “will stick to strict, closed ways of seeing things.” Among the people invited were Mark Thompson, CEO of CNN. David Rhodes, executive president of Sky News Group. Jay Wallace, president and executive editor of Fox News Channel. Tom Cibrowski, president of CBS News. Joseph Kahn, executive editor of the New York Times. Jerome Fenoglio, director of Le Monde. Graham Ellis, assistant director of BBC Radio. Maria Ressa, co-founder and CEO of Rappler, an emerging digital news site based in Manila.
The job of providing news has only become more and more in recent years. “The basic definition of journalism – the kinds I learned at the Journalism School in Boston – were “who,” “when,” “when,” and “why.” Please tell us a full story about what happened,” Chibrowski said in his remarks. Today’s media landscape is becoming increasingly partisan, with many news organizations evolving into advocacy platforms that respond and reinforce the beliefs of like-minded audiences. At the same time, we are immersed in a merciless 24-hour news cycle. There is a constant expectation that people can access and consume real-time coverage day and night. ”
In an age where more one-off TV viewers turn to streaming due to the on-demand consumption of their favorite dramas, comedies and films, news is one of the few programming formats that capture a large audience of concurrent viewers. At the same time, the US and the world are tackling populist political movements, significant changes in environmental health, and increasing daily violence. Also, the ability of one person to create a media business means that the industry is overcoming an increase in fragmentation. It also means a move towards a content source that speaks specifically to consumer interests and political beliefs.
Comcast issued memos from some of the most senior executives on Friday, telling staff that “we need to do better” when discussing and analyzing difficult events. The company cut ties with political analyst Matt Down earlier this week after conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was murdered at a university event, said he promoted “hate speech” in a segment on MSNBC. A memo issued by Comcast CEO Brian Roberts and Mark Lazarus, CEO of Make Bersant, said: “We should be opposed, robust and passionate, but ultimately with respect.”
CNN’s Thompson insisted on further support in delivering news to a wider audience, according to a read of the prepared statement. The rise of content outlets that cater to narrower audiences and hang on subscriptions for access has undermined the economy of traditional news, he said. “The age of broadcasting – an age of the coincidence of news, culture and education through the free radio spectrum and other forms of free or inexpensive mass media – has declined almost everywhere, and over time it could no longer play a role in many human lives.”
Wallace of Fox News said his company was conscious that “dignity requires us to treat people as individuals, not as characters or caricatures.
According to those familiar with the issue, executives were able to meet Pope Leo with an individual audience, including others.
Some seemed inspired to swear to meet a higher bar. “Truth and facts are essential, but in themselves, they are not sufficient. We must deliver with compassion and heart, with a clear eye to objectively look at each story and with determination to report without an agenda,” Chibrowski said. “Journalism has an incredible responsibility. We must fill that responsibility with seriousness, integrity and care.”
