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CHRISTIAN BROADCASTERS URGED TO PREPARE SPECIAL PROGRAMMING IN THE EVENT OF WAR WITH IRAQ
By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service
BURBANK, CA (ANS) -- Christian radio and television broadcasters across the country are being encouraged to prepare special programming in the event of war with Iraq. (Pictured: Phil Cooke).
?War is a terrible thing, and we at Phil Cooke Pictures are praying that God will move in a way that will allow the world to disarm Iraq without resorting to violence. However, we support our President's leadership, and in the event our country goes to war, we suggest you consider the following (ideas) for your media ministry,? said TV, motion picture and video producer Phil Cooke.
PRODUCE A SPECIAL PROGRAM RIGHT NOW
?In order to have an appropriate program that can be broadcast immediately should war break out, we recommend that, as soon as possible, you produce a special program for the shelf to be broadcast on your first airdate after a war begins,? said Cooke.
?In that program, deal directly with the issues and questions your audience will be asking. Have a special time of ministry and prayer for those dealing with fear and uncertainty. Offer books, tapes, or other resources that will help them specifically in areas relating to these events and the terrorism crisis.
?If you produce a worship service based program, perhaps this is a time to create a program outside the pulpit. Create a simple set -- even shoot the program from your empty auditorium, and speak directly to the camera, creating an intimate, personal setting with the viewer. Think of the spiritual questions the viewer will be asking and speak directly to those issues and concerns.?
UPGRADE YOUR PHONE CAPABILITIES
?Chances are, more people will be calling for prayer and counseling during these crisis times, so plan now to respond from both a spiritual standpoint as well as a technical perspective."
Cooke suggests answering the following questions about telephone capabilities: Is your call center technically prepared to handle the influx of calls? Are your people trained to handle questions related to issues like fear, insecurity, and depression that come during crisis times? Are they prepared to deal with the spiritual issues people will be facing?
SEEK THE ADVICE OF EXPERTS
?After the 9-11 tragedy, we advised our clients and associates in Christian media to bring in experts on terrorism, Middle Eastern issues, and Islam, to provide important information, advice, and expertise to our viewers. Many radio and television stations began producing outstanding programming -- in some cases that competed with secular news -- because we were able to provide our viewers with a spiritual perspective on the issues,? said Cooke.
PLAN FOR THE LONG HAUL
Cooke said: ?There is no way to know how long a war may go on, so be prepared to provide continuity of programming on these issues. Start making lists of potential experts, locations to shoot, subjects, and other topics that you might need during this time.
?Pastors, Bible teachers, evangelists, and program hosts -- now is the time to begin working on sermon material, teaching notes, and program subjects that you'll need for the future. Don't be caught short -- be ready with an collection of programming possibilities and research that deals with the real questions people are facing.?
TALK TO SECULAR SOURCES ABOUT NEWS FOOTAGE
?One of our future goals at Phil Cooke Pictures is to negotiate a special arrangement for Christian media producers to have access to footage from national news networks. Until that time, we suggest you call a local network affiliate and work out a local arrangement for purchasing/using their footage. National sources like CNN, Fox News, NBC, CBS, are also available, but are much more expensive. News footage gives your programs an immediacy and power that talking head programs can never achieve,? he said.
THIS IS THE TIME TO BE CREATIVE
?There are likely ideas you haven't thought of,? said Cooke:
He asks: ?Can you interview local Muslims in your city or community for their perspectives? Can you interview a local college professor who's an expert in Islam? Could you connect via phone with a senator or congressman from your district? Could you tour a local military base??
Cooke states: ?This isn't the time for ?Christian media as usual.? We need to minister in a multitude of ways to a wide range of viewers?so spend some real time thinking of the programming possibilities -- especially ideas that illustrate important events, actions, or truths.?
BEEF UP YOUR INTERNET PRESENCE
?The one media outlet your audience has access to 24/7 is the Internet. Make sure your site follows the theme of your programming, offers answers and resources, and provides information on the issues. Use your radio or television program to drive people to the site and visa-versa. Your web site can be a fantastic way to offer more in-depth information, sermon or teaching transcripts, news updates, appropriate links, and resources relating to this crisis.
?This is not a time to preach a message of condemnation,? he says.
?In the fury of a wartime atmosphere, never forget that our task is to minister to the needs and hurts of people. During times like this, we always encourage our clients to use their media platform to broadcast a message of hope, not hate. While we never compromise the truth of the scripture, our task is to draw people to Christ, not drive them away. Simply put -- if we hammer on people, they'll never listen to our message. We live in desperate times, and a desperate culture needs a message of encouragement, and most of all, hope in Christ. Provide that hope to people who don't see it anywhere else and you'll connect to audiences you've never touched before.
Cooke concluded: ?Should we go to war, be a helpful voice in your community, region, or the nation that provides a Christian perspective during the crisis. Provide hope, encouragement, and answers that will rally the country, inspire your audience, and impact this culture with a message of hope.?
Phil Cooke Pictures, Inc., website: www.cookefilm.com. by telephone at: (818) 563-2125
Posts: 79 | From: Swanzey, NH | Registered: Sep 2002
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