“Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.” — Benjamin Franklin
The National Conference for Media Reform (schedule, Blog FAQs), going on this weekend in Memphis, is for anyone who is concerned about the state of our media.
Organized by Free Press, this energizing weekend presents ideas and strategies for winning the fight for better media and connects you with thousands of media reformers from across the nation.
Bill Moyers delivered a powerful, eloquent keynote: Part 1 (YouTube), Part 2 (YouTube) and MP-3 (audio).
FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein on Friday told thousands gathered at the Conference to bury “six feet deep” any attempts by the FCC to roll back media ownership rules.
“But the winds of change have now swept through Washington,” he said. “This time, in 2007, if the FCC passes an Order to increase media consolidation, there’s nothing to stop Congress from vetoing it. If it comes to a vote on the Hill, we’ll see bipartisan support that’s been bottled up come pouring out.”
Michael J. Copps challenged the media reformers to set a bold new agenda for America’s media system and “guarantee that our airwaves serve their masters — we, the people.”
Copps then urged Free Press and the other activists and organizers present at the event to “shift from the defense to the offense” and mobilize millions of Americans to make corporate media sign on to the Contract:
“We, the American people have given broadcasters free use of the nation’s most valuable spectrum, and we expect something in return. We expect this.
First, a right to media that strengthens our democracy;
Second, a right to local stations that are actually local;
Third, a right to media that looks and sounds like America;
Fourth, a right to news that isn’t canned and radio playlists that aren’t for sale; and
Fifth, a right to programming that isn’t so damned bad so damned often”
Here’s more On the Privatization of Intelligence by Booz Allen (Audio & video).
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