Church turns to laity to finance Jeevan TV
By James Paul | 19 Aug 2002
Kochi: The Church is going to the laity once again to provide the much-needed financial aid for Jeevan TV, the recently-launched Malayalam television channel.
In a pastoral address, Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil of the Syro-Malabar Church has asked the parishioners to contribute liberally to the next Sunday mass collection, the proceeds of which will go to support Jeevan TV, which is desperately in need of financial assistance now.
About three years back, when the TV channel was being planned, the laity had given financial support for the channel against shares in the company. But, now, rather than giving the shares in the name of individuals, Jeevan TVs shares will be issued to the various parishes in Kerala.
The quantity of shares each parish holds depends on the amount of money the parishes collect. Those who contribute Rs 10,000 and above will get due mention while issuing the shares against the parishes names, it is learnt.
Launched early this month, Jeevan TV has the backing of all major Christian denominations in the state. On the launch day itself, the channel had gone through some hitches, which the officials attributed to a failure in the satellite link.
The problem had forced the channel to abandon the live telecast of its inauguration early this month, much to the disappointment of its many shareholders and well-wishers.
The cardinal, in his address, which was read out during the Sunday mass on 18 August, stressed the need to support the channel. The electronic media has an all-pervading influence on the society and it is our duty to support an upcoming channel that is committed to telecast value-based programmes.
To provide quality transmission and programmes the channel needs to procure high-tech equipment and establish modern studios, the cardinal reminded the laity in his address. This requires huge amount of funds.
In addition to the Ernakulam diocese, the other dioceses in the state are also expected to go to the parishioners for funds to the channel shortly.