The
media has become a major influence in shaping the world. Many are concerned that
fewer and fewer corporations are controlling the vast majority of our media --
in the United States just 5 or 6 corporations control most of the newspapers,
magazines, TV and radio stations, books, music, movies, videos, wire services
and photo agencies. This is alarming because this severally limits the perspectives
and points of view that help us to shape our own individual perceptions of events
in the world.
Media
Democracy Day, on October 18, has become an important opportunity to speak
out against the commercialization of our media. It is a time to call for media
reforms that promote diversity, and better representation and accountability to
local communities.
In
1996 a coalition of groups in Toronto and Vancouver organized a Media Democracy
Day to challenge the monopolization of media outlets by a few corporations. Previously,
organizations had organized a Media Democracy Day in Britain on October 18, commemorating
the 1922 establishment of the BBC (British Broadcasting Company). By 2002, Media
Democracy Day was being celebrated in cities throughout the world.
Since
1993, the United Nations has promoted May 3 as World Press Freedom Day -- an important
opportunity to remind governments and civil society about the "crucial role
a free press plays in strengthening democracies and fostering development around
the world."
Help
promote a free world press, media reform and support alternative media sources.
MEDIA
REFORM
Changing
The Present: Public Broadcast
FAIR
(Fairness & Accuracy In Preporting)
Free
Press
Media Alliance
Media Channel
Media
Reform Information Center
Open
Air Waves
Take
Back The Media
World
Press Freedom Day (May 3)
UN
World Press Freedom Day
UN
Dag Hammarskjold Library Links
UNESCO
World Press Freedom Day
Reporters
Without Borders
World Press
Freedom Committee
ALTERNATIVE
MEDIA
A
Better World TV
Adbusters
Air
America Radio
Alternet
American
Free Press
Buzzflash
Channel
G
Common Dreams
Democrats.com
Democracy
Now!
Free Speech Radio
Good
News Broadcast
Guerrilla News
Network
Huffington
Post
Independent Media Center
Mad Cow Morning News
The Meria Heller Show
Minuteman Media
Mother Jones
Online
Journal
Pacifica Radio
Planetary
Voices Radio
Progressive
Media Project
Radio For Peace International
Truth Out
