Modern Technology?

So, I've been watching EWTN live all day; they've been showing an encore presentation of the Mass that was said in the Basilica just before the Cardinals entered conclave. I just checked the news bulletins. It's about a quarter after three in Michigan, and ABC news just reported black smoke about a half an hour ago (it was 8:04 pm in Rome). So that means the cardinals want to get some sleep and worry about it tomorrow.

Raymond Arroyo and Fr. Neuhaus said during an earlier EWTN broadcast that the antiquity of the rituals involved in the Conclave proceedings are a powerful statement to the mass media culture. They chatted briefly about how incongruous it is for all of the world's digital newscasts to be hungrily awaiting a smoke signal!

When I checked the ABC website for their update, I found the following statement from the Reuters news service:

"The first puffs of smoke were gray, causing confusion in the packed square and prompting at least one Italian news organization to report briefly that cardinals had elected a new pope."

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I find it curious that even with all the technology at their disposal and even with JPII's new rule about ringing the bells when the smoke is white, the modern newscaster still can't get the facts straight. Whether or not we're relying on a smoke signal or an electronic bulletin from the Sistine Chapel, the media are still going to commit knee-jerk reactions like this one! So what difference does it make if we're relying on a smoke signal? Basic human error will manage to flub things up ayway. I just hope this teaches the media a lesson about themselves. But that would require thoughtfulness and care, something most journalists aren't trained in anymore.

I reccommend you visit EWTN for the latest news bulletins, especially the one providing text from Ratzinger's homily earlier today.