Vatican plans new TV network - H20 (LOL!!!)

[prydain]

Days after Pope Benedict XVI criticized the media for its "destructive" influence, the Vatican on Monday announced plans to launch its first television network by the end of the year.

H2O will broadcast news and original entertainment programming worldwide in seven languages, according to a statement. Additional details were sketchy.

Over the years, the Vatican has been quick to adopt new technologies in its efforts to communicate with the world's more than 1 billion Catholics. In 1996, the Vatican introduced its Web portal nearly three years before the Italian state unveiled its own Web site. And it has embraced digital and satellite technology.

In a speech to the Vatican's communications department last Friday, 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," he said. "On the other hand, it is also readily apparent that much of what is transmitted in various forms to the homes of millions of families around the world is destructive."

http://www.tv.com/story/9060.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=news&tag=headlines;title;0

I wonder if they'll produce fictional TV series...

But seriously, I thought this was funny for some reason. They should call it PopeTV.

[Vilandra]

This can't be good lol...

[Miffed67]

PopeTV!!! BWAHAHAHHAHAHAAAAAA! That's hilarious.

What is their goal with opening a TV network? I don't know, it seems weird to me. Not that I wouldn't watch if they had a decent show on, I'm just sayin'.

[Vilandra]

Probably to bring "quality programming that reflects Catholic values" :D

[prydain]

I don't have a problem with a Catholic network but the idea of it seems silly. And can you imagine how CORNY that stuff would be? The Catholic church is rich enuogh that they should hire real, trained actors for their stuff.

But this isn't new territory for religion though, there's the BYU channel and TBN.

[Miffed67]

Probably to bring "quality programming that reflects Catholic values" :D

Yeah.....scary!

BYU has a TV channel? I didn't know that. Speaking of them, they knocked on my door last week wanting to teach me about....get this....geneology. Um...thanks, but no thanks...I know all of the ancestors I care about.

[prydain]

Yes my dad used to watch BYU constantly. *sigh* Thank God we got rid of DirecTV and he moved out.

TBN is a prostestant-themed network, I think it usually telecasts those godawful sermons by the insane preachers.

Out of the two I'd rather watch BYU, as there is no screaming about the Holy Ghost.

[Miffed67]

I'll take a pass on either, thanks! Huh, I'm going to have to see if Time Warner carries it. Now I'm curious!

[prydain]

Well I'm used to the BYU-type stuff, lots of Mormons in the family.

[Miffed67]

Been hearing it all your life, huh? Well buck up! Catholics are THE SAME WAY.

[prydain]

lol

Well most Mormons aren't like what you see on TV or like the weird Utah Mormons. Most are pretty normal. But then you have insane ones. My family is for the most part normal. And personally I believe in some things the Mormon church teaches, my problem with it is the stuff it chooses to focus on, and the fact that they've changed so much of what they claim to believe.

OK, back to the Catholic TV...what kind of name is H20 anyway? I hope a priest reads my post and takes my suggestion to the Vatican...I definitely think PopeTV is a more intriguing name than "WATER".

[Miffed67]

LOL!

Side Note: Every religion has it's share of zealots, that's not specific to LDS.

Back to your regularly scheduled programming: I wonder how they came up with that name? They have ad agencies working for them, marketing people, etc. You'd think they could come up with something better.

Side again: Hank Williams, Jr. was on Craig Ferguson last night.....he ROCKS! I lurve him.....

[Black Eye Guy]

Ewww an entire tv station of programs like 7th Heaven!! :(

[goldenboy]

Actually, there is that Catholic channel, EWTN. One of my parents' faves. I can even pick it up with my crappy antenna. Some of it's kind of interesting, going into the lives of the saints, etc.

PopeTV. Hmm.

There is one EWTN show, actually trying to be hip with "the kids" - showing the priest/host playing basketball with his buds, etc in the opening credits. Looks funny.

I dunno. I think so many people are so completely alienated from religion, everything about it just seems surreal.

[Miffed67]

Huh. I've never seen the Catholic channel! Will have to see if I get that one, too.....

I could get in to documentaries about the lives of the saints and the history of the Catholic Church (as long as they didn't gloss over the bad stuff, you know? Give the WHOLE story) I love that kind of stuff. I'd probably just watch those, tho, and not any series or movies of the week or whatever.

[goldenboy]

Yeah, here (http://www.ewtn.com/) it is.

I'm not a practicing Catholic, but one thing I love is all the gorgeous artwork. They've been great patrons for artists over the centuries...

[prydain]

I love reading about Catholic saints and looking at pics of old gothic cathedrals and stuff. I think the rituals and everything are interesting to watch. But I'm definitely not Catholic.

[Miffed67]

Oh! Thanks for the link!

Yes, they have been great patrons of the arts, and it's fascinating to look at some of their collection. I love looking at the architecture of old churches, monasteries and the like, seeing shows about history, etc. That stuff is so interesting.

I love reading about Catholic saints and looking at pics of old gothic cathedrals and stuff. I think the rituals and everything are interesting to watch. But I'm definitely not Catholic.

So, pry, what do you classify yourself as? I'm Catholic, but like goldenboy, not practicing, either. Sadly, a lot of the Catholic ritual has changed from what it was when I was growing up. I've always loved that part of the worship. So much has been 'modernized' now, tho, in the Church's effort to be more appealing to modern Catholics. Everything has more of a "show-like" quality to it, imo....like you're not there to worship God but to hear the choir and the priest "perform." It's not personal any more.

[prydain]

Honestly I don't really know what I classify myself as. I think every religion has some element of truth to it, and that there are lots of things taught by other religions that have truth to them that aren't accepted by most Christians. I do believe in God and Jesus though (to me they're two different people). By definition I guess I'm Christian, just not a conventional one. And I do believe a lot of things the Mormon church teaches (and taught - and BTW Mormons are Christian. And Catholics too, but a lot of people around here don't think so).

So eh, I dunno. But I am a pretty religious guy, it's the most important thing in my life. But most people just don't know it because I don't shove it down people's throats. :D