Fr. Martin Sadiq Appointed Director of NISCORT

Fr. Martin Sadiq, a priest of the Diocese of Jalandhar with extensive experience in Catholic media and communication, has been appointed Director of the National Institute of Social Communications, Research and Training (NISCORT), the media and communication institute of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI). The appointment was announced by CBCI President Cardinal Anthony Poola on September 17 during the CBCI Standing Committee meeting in Bengaluru. Fr. Sadiq is expected to formally assume charge after October 15. Fr. Sadiq was ordained a priest in 1998 and has served in priestly ministry for 28 years. He has more than 24 years of experience in Catholic media, with work spanning journalism, broadcasting, filmmaking, photography and digital communication. He served as Chief Executive Officer of Prarthana Bhawan Broadcasting Pvt. Ltd. from 2019 to May 2025 and as Director and Executive Secretary of the Diocese of Jalandhar's Commission for Mass Media and Communication from 2016 to 2026. He also served as Chief Editor of the diocesan weekly Sada Zamana. Fr. Sadiq holds a PhD in Social Sciences/Communication from the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas in Rome, a Licentiate in Institutional Social Communication from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome and a Master's degree in Corporate Social Responsibility from LUMSA University, Rome. He has also served in pastoral ministry in Germany and contributed to priestly formation at seminaries in Jalandhar and Amritsar. Experience in Catholic Communication Fr. Sadiq has been associated with SIGNIS, the international Catholic association for communication. He has served as Vice-President of the SIGNIS North India Region since 2022 and as Regional Media Secretary from 2023 to 2026. In April 2026, he organized the SIGNIS India National Assembly in Jalandhar. His professional and academic interests have also included the protection of children and young people in the digital environment. Focus on Digital Media and AI As the new NISCORT director, Fr. Sadiq has proposed strengthening practical media education, digital evangelisation, Artificial Intelligence and professional media formation. His proposed three-year strategic implementation plan for 2027–2030 includes a Student Production House focusing on short films, documentaries, digital journalism, podcasts, live broadcasting, photography and digital content. The proposals also include an AI and Media Innovation Lab, a NISCORT Creators Network, stronger partnerships with the media industry, internships and professional masterclasses. For priests, religious and diocesan communication personnel, the proposed programmes include training in public relations, crisis communication, media relations, digital evangelisation, social media, content production and media ethics. The appointment comes as Catholic communication ministries increasingly engage with the opportunities and challenges created by AI and digital media. Fr. Sadiq's experience in journalism, broadcasting and digital communication is expected to contribute to NISCORT's efforts to strengthen professional media formation and communication within the Church in India.