Bishop Bernardin Francis Mfumbusa: Navigating Communication in the Digital Age
Bishop Bernardin Francis Mfumbusa is not your ordinary Bishop. Hailing from the Kondoa Diocese in Tanzania, Bishop Mfumbusa wears many hats – from his ecclesiastical duties to being a teacher, writer, and communications expert. Recently, during the Jubilee of the World of Communications, Vatican News correspondent Fr. Paul Samasumo sat down with Bishop Mfumbusa to delve into the ever-evolving media landscape, communication strategies, and the role of social media within the Church and across Africa.
Jubilee Insights
The recently concluded Jubilee for Communicators at the Vatican provided a platform for Bishop Mfumbusa to share his insights. The theme of the Jubilee, “Spes Non Confudit” or “Hope Does Not Disappoint,” resonated deeply with Bishop Mfumbusa. As he delved into the evolving communication environment, Bishop Mfumbusa emphasized the need for communicators to be purveyors of hope in a world inundated with information overload.
Navigating the Information Highway
Addressing the challenges of misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information prevalent in today’s digital age, Bishop Mfumbusa stressed the importance of responsible information consumption. He highlighted the need for families to monitor gadget usage and establish safeguards to navigate the online realm effectively. Furthermore, Bishop Mfumbusa advocated for media literacy programs at diocesan and parish levels to equip individuals with the skills to discern accurate information.
The Social Media Conundrum
Bishop Mfumbusa shed light on the pitfalls of social media, where popularity often trumps substance. He underscored the impact of algorithms on information dissemination, creating echo chambers that limit diverse perspectives. Additionally, Bishop Mfumbusa touched upon the behavioral changes witnessed in the digital environment, urging users to reflect on their online personas.
Role of Catholic Content Creators
As the realm of social media evolves with AI and algorithmic-driven content, Bishop Mfumbusa emphasized the pivotal role of Catholic content creators in sharing messages of hope and inspiration. He called for a reevaluation of what constitutes “good news” in today’s information landscape and encouraged Catholic communicators to prioritize uplifting content.
The Future of Radio in Africa
Despite the digital shift towards social media, Bishop Mfumbusa highlighted the enduring relevance of radio, especially in Africa. Proposing the utilization of podcasting as a means to engage a tech-savvy audience, Bishop Mfumbusa envisioned a blend of traditional radio broadcasts and podcast content to cater to diverse preferences.
Empowering Catholic Communicators
As the Jubilee Year culminates, Bishop Mfumbusa’s message to Catholic communicators is one of resilience and adaptability. Drawing parallels with historical communication innovations, Bishop Mfumbusa urged communicators to embrace Artificial Intelligence as a tool to amplify the Gospel message in today’s digital age.
Thank you, Bishop Mfumbusa, for your invaluable insights and unwavering commitment to navigating the intricate realm of communication. Asante Sana!
