Youth Media Justice Project

Participant Editorials

2006-11-30T15:10:00.000-05:00

Who would have thought that a 50 plus year old African-American man would assassinate George W. Bush? I found this out in a small movie theatre on Ponce de Leon, the only one in Georgia that featured this documentary on the big screen, or any screen for that matter. Death of a President, co-written and directed by Britain Gabriel Range, premiered on Oct. 27 and was presented as a documentary of the events that lead up to and occurred after the assassination of the United State's 43rd president. It was to no surprise, because this is the state that our nation is in, that after the president took his last breath the government immediately began looking at the Muslim community to find the killer. The movie-mentary began as President Bush prepared to make a speech in Chicago about the economy. As the motorcade tried to reach its destination, thousands of livid activists protesting against the war in Iraq forced the parade of limos to take an alternate route. Can we see this happening in any given area in the United States? With out a doubt. At times I had to remind myself that this was just a movie. The realism that unfolded after the assassination as far as who was detained for questioning, countries that the government immediately swore off and the person who got convicted and sentenced for the crime, was a true testament of the fear this government has us living in. The movie also demonstrated, among other things, the possibility of our civil liberties diminishing even more than they have over the last five years. As a result of this assassination, the Patriot Act, which was created after the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, was given more power. What more could they ad to the racial profiling, wire taping with minimal judicial approval and monitoring and interception of email that this act allows? Who knows, but I'm sure what ever the imagination can think of would be a likely candidate. Even with the Patriot Act in effect, in the movie the killer still slipped under the FBI's radar and committed this heinous act. With many Republicans currently trying to distance themselves from the heat flaring around the war in Iraq, it was also no surprise that the information that enabled the assassin to successfully carry out his mission came from with in the White House. Another pertinent issue this film raised is media ownership. As I said earlier, there was only one theater in Georgia that showed this movie. Moreover, only 34 states in the country allowed moviegoers to view the Toronto Film Festival winner, and showings averaged three theaters per state. Was the advertising campaign that ineffective? No, it did not receive much publicity. Could it be the movie was just that horrible that theaters owners thought they would lose money? No, it is because there are five major companies that control an extremely large percent of what we hear and see in the media. These companies are Viacom, Disney, Time Warner, News Corp and NBC/GE. How likely is it that they would promote a movie showing the assassination of an existing president and bring to light negative concepts and issues about the government that Americans already foster? Well, according to the numbers it's not happening. This speaks to another state that the country is in. Right now the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is in the process of trying to allow these and possibly other such conglomerates, to indulge in newspaper-broadcast -cross-ownership . This would add newspapers ownership along with cable stations, radio stations, holdings in major movie studios etc., in the same geographical area. Though the average eye that is not looking for change may not easily notice this, it would have a significant impact on an already tight grip situation. Therefore, let us be mindful of the issues that affect our day-to-day life and always remain in search of ways to broaden our horizons through all things we see, hear and read each day.

- Sharon Ochoa

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Media and A Murder Situation
By. L.R.
In recent days, two major issues in the news have Americans caught up in the whirlwind of controversy. Michael Richards, who also played Kramer from Seinfield, turned up the heat when he uttered several racial slurs, including “n*****” onstage at the Laugh Factory this past weekend. Some of the people in attendance stormed out of the building calling what the comedian did as uncalled for. Richards later appeared on Letterman’s late night show and issued an apology to the black and Mexican community, in which the seriousness of the apology may leave a few eyebrows up in the air. Richards claims he isn’t a racist but why reinforce the attitude of a racist individual through making comments that would offend your audience?
When Richards appeared on the Letterman show, it seemed as if some audience members were okay with his apology as a few chuckles could be heard in his interview. The Black community probably wouldn’t take his apologies that seriously especially because of his nonchalant demeanor throughout the segment of the show. Some may even take his very appearance on the show as offensive in order to redeem himself from the justified outrage of his actions. However, Richards appearance on the Letterman show probably isn’t as more difficult to accept as the response that OJ Simpson received for his new book and scheduled interview by the Fox network which was canceled due to the public’s outrage.
Many Americans came against O.J.’s book “If I Did It” probably because many think that he was responsible for his wife’s death. I must admit, the title of the book is questionable and raises even my eyebrow but still his situation is sketchy as to the murder. No one, not even the media, is giving O.J. liberty to come forward and say what he has to say. But why is it that Richards can get on national T.V. after he did what he did?
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you two cases of murder: one in which we know who committed murder (Richards) and the other who we question about a murder (Simpson). Now which guy is worse? In case you were wondering, you can kill with your words. What he did at the comedy club was commit murder all over again against a whole nation of people in which his forefathers attacked, hanged, and enslaved those who were stamped with the word “nigger”. Many may try to reason that nigger really means a lazy or idle person, but its historical background allows us to know that it was a word that subjugated slaves to brutality. When he repeatedly used this racial slur at the Laugh Factory, even when people left in response, he was reinforcing murder. But yet the media allows him to get on television and issue an “apology” that will never erase the murder that all off America actually witnessed. But with Simpson, the media won’t even give the man a chance to voice his thoughts.
Whether Simpson killed his wife or not, I really don’t know. But both men are really in the same predicament, centering around murder. If Fox won’t give Simpson room to even have an interview or promote his book, then some network should. The media must be fair (a truth that really don’t exist). Whether Simpson is promoting a book for attention or not, still give him his right to free speech. America should allow the media to give O.J. a shot at making an a** of himself just as Richards did. They’re both in a situation involving murder.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Look it’s a N*****!"
By Elaina Johnson
"If this was 50 years ago you would be hanging upside down with a fork in your ass," Micheal Richards said. Best known as "Kramer" from the popular show Seinfeld, Richards last Friday went on a racial tirade at the famous Los Angeles comedy club, the Laugh Factory. Richards apparently became enraged after several club goers were allegedly taunting him during his stand-up routine. The club goers happened to be African American and evidently the target for Richards racial slurs. Richards repeatedly yelled and screamed of the controversial and highly offensive "N" word to the African American hecklers.

On Monday night Richards appeared on the David Lettermen Show and issued a six minute apology while audience members laughed. Richards former co-star Seinfeld was also on the show for an interview and told the audience "Hey stop laughing its not funny."

Though some may view or even accept Mr. Richards apology as a sincere apology I strongly do not believe that it was sincere or even heartfelt for that matter. "I apologize to the Afro-Americans, the Mexicans and Jews...", however his racist remarks were solely directed towards the African American race plain and simple. His apology seemed nonchalant in tone and his apology appeared to be more of a rambling off at the mouth than anything.

In the midst of this controversial storm O.J Simpson, former pro-football player and alleged 1995 murderer of his wife, Nicole Brown-Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman was set to release a book called "If I Did It"--in which he fictionalizes himself as the one who committed these murders. As soon as O.J. Simpson book and television special was to be published and aired it was abruptly pulled and canceled due to public outrage. "I and senior management agree with the American public," Rupert Murdoch, News Corp. chairman said. However, I take issue with the fact that Mr. Richards can appear on David Lettermen and explain his actions and reasons for doing what he did, but O.J. Simpson is completely put on mute to the public.

It seems as though Caucasian males and females can do and say whatever it is that they want and not be punished and or treated with leniency in the public. However, as soon as an African American woman or man does or say something that the "white" public does not agree with it they are immediately censored or shut out from media networks to tell their side.

Mr. Richards has since been banned permanently from the prestigous comedy club and has been denounced publicly by other popular comedians. However, being banned from the club is hardly the solution to such offensive actions. Mr. Richards needs to seek help for as he claimed "unknown place of hositiliy" and needs to say "sorry" for his racist remarks to African Americans. I believe that the only way he could help the black community feel that he is indeed sorry for his actions by going to black media outlets such as BET, Black Entertainment or the NAACP. I guess that will only be a "dream", but it would definitely be a step.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By Makala Lee

Cosmo Kramer appears to be a Cosmo racist.
His behavior at the Laugh Factory in L.A. was disappointing, ridiculous and reiterates the fact that slavery, racism and discrimination previously existed and is still alive in America.
Michael Richards, the man who played Cosmo Kramer on “Seinfeld,” hurled racial slurs at a black man for heckling him during one of his shows. He said, “50 years ago, you would have been hung upside down with a fork up your ass.” When the man replied that his comment was uncalled for, he told him that is what happens when you interrupt a white man.
This incident makes me very upset, as a young black student we are led to believe that racism is dead, that we are all on a level playing field and that we should learn to unite with white people to promote a better society.
Yet, at the very moment a white person, the former oppressor of my ancestors, gets upset he wants to remind us of our devastating past. He wants to remind us that we need to stay in our place because if it were indeed 50 years ago, we would have been dead.
In addition, he called the man a “n*****” numerous times and had the nerve to be sarcastic and call him “nigga,” in an attempt to be trendy and hip. The very word that white oppressors created to degrade slaves, the same word the Ku Klux Klan yelled out as they were burning down the homes of black leaders.
It is appalling to realize that there are still people who would result to racial slurs to get a point across, or to express their displeasure with a person of another race. As an adult, he should have learned to control his anger. As a comedian, he should have learned how to deal with a heckler in a crowd. As a man, a white man, he should have learned that the exploitation and abuse of black people was wrong and that they are not better then us for that, in fact, they are worse.
“I said some nasty things to Afro-Americans.” Richards’s apology was half-hearted and insensitive to black people; he stated that, “The blacks must feel bad,” and that his comments just “fired away.”
This behavior is not accepted from a black person and it should not be accepted from a white person either. It is understandable that race is not an unusual topic for a comedy show. However, this was not apart of his routine and regardless of if he was intoxicated or not, he should be held responsible for his actions. His actions lead me to believe he is a racist. Besides, a drunken tongue speaks a sober mind.
The media is quick to make a mockery of people such as O.J. Simpson whenever he makes a mistake or Kanye West when he said that “George Bush doesn’t care about black people.” Whenever a black man makes a poor decision or acts unruly, he is immediately reprimanded and taunted by the media.
Now is the time for the media, as well as the members of the black community, to make it known that this behavior will not be tolerated, excused, or accepted.

WORKSHOP 3 - Thursday, Nov. 16

2006-11-15T10:01:00.000-05:00

Media Matters

WORKSHOP 3

FREE YOUR MIND
Protect Free Media

Summary of media issues harming journalism,
citizen health, culture and political power.
Threats to public & non-commercial media

In Hands-On workshop, participants will learn to create effective written, audio and video advocacy responses from American Forum.

Date: Thur. Nov 16, 2006
Time: 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Place: Clark Atlanta University
Carl and Mary Ware Hall, Room 103
NOTE CHANGE OF MEETING PLACE!

Directions :FROM I-75/85 NORTH OR SOUTH:
Take I-20 West. Exit at Joseph Lowery Bvd. Turn right (North) Continue to the 3rd light past Morehouse Football stadium to top of Hill, Fair Street. Turn right .Drive approx 3 blocks to James P. Brawley Drive. At the corner of Fair and Brawley you will see a gate with a security guard house.This is the entrance to Clark Atlanta University's campus broad walk where Carl and Mary Ware Hall is located.

To park: continue down Fair 1 block to Mildred.Turn left into the parking deck. Walk back to the University Gate. Turn Left. Walk to the 4th Building on your left, C & M Ware Hall.

_____________________________________________
PLAN TO COME TO THE
NATIONAL MEDIA REFORM CONFERENCE
JAN 11-14

Every Journalist, political scientist and anyone who cares
about protecting citizen power should attend.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 2007 MEDIA REFORM CONFERENCE
JAN. 12- 14 IN MEMPHIS. SIGN UP TO ATTEND.

WANT TO GO TO THE CONFERENCE BUT CANT AFFORD TO?
APPLY TO YMJP FOR A SCHOLARSHIP AND GO WITH THEM
FOR FREE.

FOR MORE INFO
CALL 404 290-2175 OR EMAIL JFC1220@BELLSOUTH.NET

Net Neutrality

2006-10-24T10:21:00.000-04:00

Here are some video files from YouTube.com that discuss Net Neutrality. Check 'em out and comment on what you think about it. There are all sorts of videos about Media Ownership and Internet Neutrality on the Internet. These are just a few.
YouTube: Net Neutrality Video
YouTube: PBS NOW on Net Neutrality; Part 1
YouTube: PBS NOW on Net Neutrality; Part 2
YouTube: Ted Kennedy Video

Update. 10.18.06; M1 of Dead Prez

2006-10-18T14:56:00.000-04:00

- M1 of dead prez & New York Hip Hop Community organize testimony for FCC Public Hearing to fight Corporate Media takeover.

http://www.hiphopliveshere.com/blog/

'What's on the radio, propoganda, mind control
And turnin' it on is like puttin' on a blindfold
Cuz when you bringin' the real you don't get ro-tation
Unless you take over the station....
A "radio program" ain't a figure of speech
Don't sleep, cuz, you could be a radio freak'
- "Turn off the radio"- dead prez

BLOG Question
Post questions/comments at bottom of post - OR - Respond on the listserv
A) What do YOU think about the status of radio? Do the stations you listen to give you and your communty adequate news and information about local issues and other matters of importance to you? Are they fair, diverse, a reasonable use of the public resource which you own?

B) What do you want to tell the FCC and your elected officials about Media Ownership?. Post your suggestions and solutions based on your own experieces about how this issue has affected you or your community's interests. Send your comment to the FCC before Oct 23 to have the most impact.

Workshop #2 -
Subject: Media Ownership Issues analyzed
and Threats to Independent Internet
Date: Wednesday, Oct 25, 2006
Place: Clark Atlanta University 223 James P.Brawley Drive SW
(intersection of Fair Street and Brawley Street)
Atlanta, GA 30314
McPheeters-Dennis Hall, Room 220
Directions to Workshop 2
a) CAU web site map
McPheeters Dennis is building is next to # 6 on schoolmap in link
b) Map Quest Directions
to Clark Atlanta University: 223 James P. Brawley Drive SW Altanta, Ga. 30314
using the interstate highways I-75 to I-20

Going South on I-75 S/I 85 S toward Macon:
- Merge onto I-20 West via Exit 247
- Proceed West on I-20 West to 2nd exit - Lowery Blvd - Exit 55A - West End
- Turn Right onto Lowrey Blvd. go approximately 3 lights to Fair Street. Turn Right
- Proceed Proceed approximately 4 Blocks to intersection of Fair and Brawley.
- See CAU gates to Promande on Right. Drive to end of block turn right into garage.
- PARK. Walk back to CAU gate at Fair and Brawley. Turn Right.
- McPheeters Dennis is 1st Building on Left. Workshop will meet in room 220.

Write the FCC about media ownership consolidation issue-
To File Your Comment with the FCC:
a) You may use the Common Cause (below) to file comments to the FCC about this issue. It has a sample letter and is an easy process.
http://www.commoncause.org/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=dkLNK1MQIwG&b=2118613
b) For further information on filing comments or to see comments filed by others see FCC's site directions for filing in the Media Ownership proceeding, MB Docket No. 06-121.
http://www.fcc.gov/ownership/comments.html

Speak up, write up, and share your experience! Let the FCC Commissioners, your elected officials, your media and your friends and associates know how well local TV and radio are(n't) serving your community and what might happen if large national media conglomerates were allowed to own even more local media outlets!

For more background info an key points to inform your Comments see http://www.media-alliance.org

Big Media: How Big Is Too Big?
Five media conglomerates - Viacom, Disney, Time Warner, News Corp. and NBC/GE - control the big four networks (70 % of the primetime television market share), most cable channels, as well as vast holdings in radio, publishing, movie studios, music, Internet and other sectors. OVER TWELVE HUNDRED is the number of radio stations owned today by radio giant Clear Channel in the US. Back in 1996, before the radio industry was deregulated, the largest radio owners controlled fewer than 65 stations. ONE newspaper dominates in more than half of all US markets. Out of 1,500 newspapers in the country, only 281 remain independently owned.
Of all the TV stations in the US:
FEWER THAN 5% are owned by women
FEWER THAN 3% are owned by people of color
FEWER THAN 1% are owned by Latinos

In 2003 the FCC decided to allow Big Media to become even bigger. We stopped them then, but now they're at it again. It's time to make our voices heard!

KEY Points
Media ownership matters! What's Wrong With Big Media?
1) Big Media means less diversity and less local programming. As local stations get bought up by big, national corporations with centralized operations, they become less accountable to our local communities and to the issues that are important to us. We end up with less coverage of community-oriented news, local sports, and local elections. People of color and working class families are either ignored or stereotyped.
2) Big Media means fewer viewpoints. When one company buys multiple media outlets in a single city or town, that corporation gains immense influence over what information a community can access. Big corporations push out other outlets that may offer competing points of view. We are left with less diversity of voices and a narrower range of debate.
3) Big Media means fewer jobs and lower salaries.A recent study of the radio industry showed that the more consolidated markets have fewer radio announcers, news reporters, and broadcast technicians, and they are paid less. Job losses in these professions indicate that fewer local residents make decisions now about what music to play and what stories to report. We need diverse, local ownership of the media. Without ownership limits, giant national corporations buy up local stations and eliminate diverse, local and independent programming in the interest of profits. If the FCC is serious about fostering localism and diversity on the airwaves, it must enact protections against consolidated corporate ownership. Media policies have favored powerful corporations over local communities for too long. For decades, the biggest media companies have had the ear of the FCC and Congress, while the public has been ignored. As the FCC rewrites is ownership rules and Congress debates legislation that will shape the entire media system for years to come, it's time our policymakers listened to the public, not just Big Media lobbyists!

Guidelines for your Public Testimony
- when speaking create a short, succinct statement which summarizes keep your comments to two minutes or less.
- Start by briefly stating who you are: your name and a community you belong to (for example, your neighborhood, your profession, your ethnic group, etc).
- Share one story from your experience and give specific examples wherever you can about how Big Media is affecting you and your community.
- Write out your statement beforehand - you'll be more likely to remember important points, and it will ensure your words are correctly entered into the record.

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (freepress.net)

2006-10-10T14:48:00.000-04:00

In the midst of Washington's political scandals, you might not have heard about an extraordinary moment in U.S. media history. Here's a quick update:

On Tuesday in Los Angeles, people came out in overwhelming numbers to tell the Federal Communications Commission that Americans want to turn back the tide of media consolidation.

For eight hours, artists, writers, producers, directors, actors, small business owners and local citizens told all five commissioners about the devastating impact of media consolidation.

Nearly 1,000 people packed auditoriums in downtown L.A. and El Segundo; and all but one of the dozens who came forward testified against further media consolidation. (Listen to the testimony.)

The question now is whether FCC Chairman Kevin Martin will actually listen to the public.

The Truth About Media Consolidation

Evidence continues to mount showing the serious problems caused by media consolidation. Free Press recently released a groundbreaking study showing the shockingly low number of TV stations owned by women and people of color. Upon reading the report, FCC Commissioner Michael Copps called the FCC's failure to promote diversity in our media a "national disgrace."

This followed news that the FCC had suppressed two studies that revealed the negative impact of media consolidation -- including one that showed media concentration was disastrous for local news coverage.

Turning up the Volume Against Big Media
Chairman Martin has pledged to hold five more public hearings before the FCC votes on any media ownership rules changes. If Martin holds to this promise and hears out the public, he will learn that a vast majority of Americans do not want concentrated media. They want local owners, local coverage, and media that represent our diverse communities.

We're working to make certain these hearings are publicized and packed to the rafters. But after five more hearings like the one in Los Angeles, it would be unthinkable for the FCC to turn a deaf ear to the public and allow the Clear Channels, Disneys, Sinclairs and News Corporations to gobble up even more local media.

Stopping Stevens, Saving the Internet

On other fronts, the 2006 Telecommunications Act has been stalled in the Senate thanks to the massive outcry over Net Neutrality -- anchored by our SavetheInternet.com coalition. But the battle is far from over. We're preparing for a "lame duck" session of Congress after the November 7 elections, when we could face a dark-of-the-night effort to eliminate Net Neutrality. Check out this excellent article at Salon.com that sums up the Net Neutrality campaign and what's next.

Next week we'll likely need all hands on deck if the FCC moves to approve the biggest telecommunications merger in history. We must demand that they make Net Neutrality a permanent requirement of the $67 billion merger of AT&T and BellSouth.

Reforming Media, Transforming Democracy

Media policies made in the public's name must not be made without the public's informed consent -- whether the issue is media ownership, Net Neutrality, public broadcasting or the massive merger of AT&T and BellSouth.

That's why your active involvement is so important. The more all policies reflect public debate, the more likely the media system they shape will serve the people, not just powerful corporations.

Saul Alinsky famously wrote that the only way to beat organized money is with organized people. Well, organized people just landed a haymaker in Los Angeles. If we keep up the fight, the era of corrupt media policymaking will come to an end.

Onward,
Robert McChesney
President
Free Press
http://www.freepress.net/

P.S. To support our work, please give to the Free Press Action Fund. Your contribution will help amplify the public's voice in Washington, D.C., and beyond -- placing the needs of our democracy before corporate interests.

P.P.S. Don't miss the chance to meet with media reformers from across the country at the 2007 National Conference for Media Reform. Register now at www.freepress.net/conference. Early bird discount ends October 31

Update: Legislation Proposals

2006-09-29T16:33:00.000-04:00

Recent news in the Media Ownership debate: Read about a statement from the FCC chairman here.

The above story is followed by a response from legislators here.

Let the FCC know what you think!! Click here to read an FCC document about official Public Comment on the issue - and click here to file an official Public Comment to the FCC. Make your voice heard!

Key Issue - Media Ownership

2006-09-27T10:39:00.000-04:00

Bell South-AT&T merger. Consurmers alarmed. FCC may decide in next two weeks. Full Article

FCC Commissioner Michael Copps called it "the single most important public policy debate that the FCC will tackle this year." Read coverage and comments here.

What is the YMJP?

2006-09-25T17:04:00.000-04:00

Youth Media Justice Project is a program which aims to involve college media, student leadership and key faculty in understanding proposed changes in media policy, regulations, laws and their potential to diminish the power and control of citizens over policies and decisions by its government. The project goal is to add the voices and perspectives of young adults and academics to the public discourse about media policies and related issues so that their opinions and ideas will be heard, heeded and emulated by their peers, colleagues and, most especially, will be considered by lawmakers as they create new rules that will impact the flow of information and news that shapes American democracy.

Attention Campus & Community Leaders! Signup Info

2006-09-25T11:45:00.000-04:00

WHAT IF YOU HAD TO PAY TO ACCESS AND USE THE INTERNET?
If you care about Media Justice Issues like this and want to learn more about it,
join the Youth Media Justice Project!
Participants are
Mature students from the mass communication, journalism/English, political
science, public administration and other disciplines who are interested in social
change and citizen empowerment through advocacy and action.
Project Purpose
Students will learn about proposed Media Policies and rule-making trends which
threaten the interest of everyday people in having an independent, free, fair media. They will learn simple, effective actions to empower their community to shape solutions which are in the everyday citizen’s interest.

Participant Rewards

· $100 Stipend

· Attend National Media Justice Conference Jan 12-14, 2007 Memphis Tenn.

· Become a leader and expert on media policy issues and their impact

· Learn and implement effective advocacy and citizen skills

· Job and Internship opportunities enhance

· Publication in major local, national, international mass media outlets

· Protect citizen interest and power in our Democratic form of Government

Project Work Commitment

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Thur. Nov 16, 2006 6:00 8:30 pm Georgia State University
Topic: Threats to Public, Community and Non-Commercial Media
Thur. Feb 08, 2007 6:00 8:30 pm Emory University
Topic: Local Ownership and Control of Media

COMPLETED WORKSHOPS

Wed. Sep 27, 2006 6:00 8:30 pm Morehouse College

Topic: Media Ownership Monopoly Issues

Wed. Oct 25, 2006 6:00 8:30 pm Clark Atlanta University

Topic: Internet Access on the Line
Use the Project Web Site;
Read and post materials about media policy;
Blog your questions, findings, and preliminary ideas with each other,
media activists, journalists and experts;
Write and Distribute 1 op-ed article and 1 FCC or gov. action letter;
Produce & Distribute audio or video PSA's to attract peer advocacy;
Attend Media Policy Town Hall Meeting in Atlanta Ga - February 2007

YOUTH MEDIA JUSTICE PROJECT
Application
Yes I want to participate in the Youth Media Justice Project!
Name__________________________ School_______________; Major______
Email__________________________ Phone___________________________
Organization Affiliations___________________________________________
Org Faculty Advisor: Name and Contact_______________________________
School Media ____________________________________________________
Media Experience or Skills______________________________________
Copy, paste and fill out the above application in a blank document and
SEND TO:
Jeanette Foreman
Southern Media Justice Coalition
jforemanatl@yahoo.com
404.577.1047
404.659.5693 (fax)

Workshop 1 - Wednesday, Sept. 27

2006-09-21T15:49:00.000-04:00

MEDIA OWNERSHIP RULES CHANGES
Overview - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates the size and ownership interests of an increasingly wide variety of media companies. The FCC is proposing to set several new ownership rules and limits which would increase the amount of media properties one company can own in one city or market across distribution media and sub-categories. Radio ownership limits were eliminated in 1996 with negative consequences to public interest, including issues around local information, along with cultural and political sandbagging.

Public interest and media reform organizations have fought back against consolidation. They have asserted that changes would discourage diversity and allow an individual company to dominate public discourse and unfairly influence public opinion. They assert that a greater number of owners means more competition and a wider variety of individuals making decisions about what the American people see and hear.

Presenters - Dr. Hasan Crockett will discuss how radio ownership rules changes have created monopolies, such as Clear Channel, which have significantly skewed and shrunk the music, political opinions and news which millions of people hear. A profoundly negative impact has been felt in access to positive lyrics in hip-hop music and in news & information reflecting anti-war or anti-government positions.

Bruce Dixon, author of The Black Commentator, will also be on hand to discuss pressing and salient media ownership issues.

Okay, so what exactly will go on?

2006-09-20T16:59:00.000-04:00

Happy you asked. Buckle up.

The project will focus on three areas:
1) MEDIA POLICY EDUCATION & TRAINING
A. Working with the universities, the Youth Media Collaborative will hold a series of media briefings on media policy issues. This will include bringing in speakers to talk about media consolidation and ownership, net neutrality, low-power radio, PEG access, deregulation, intellectual property and other concerns. Potential speakers would include representatives from such organizations as Free Press, Common Cause, Reform the Media, Youth Media Council and Prometheus Radio Project, among others.
B. Students will work with a collaboration of organizations to develop op-eds, public service announcements for radio and television, and materials for Internet distribution. Two student representatives and one professor from each school will be selected to cover/participate in the Media Reform Conference in Memphis. A follow-up forum about media justice issues will be held in Atlanta to help relay information to other students and the broader social justice community.

2) MEDIA SKILLS TRAINING
A. The Youth Media Justice Civic Participation Project will also provide media skills workshops to students on op-ed writing, as well as PSA and blog production, to encourage students to use technology and other media tools to speak out on public policy issues and discussions through the mainstream and independent media.
B. These workshops will be open to grassroots social justice groups. Interested students will be placed with local organizations to help foster working relationships.

3) HANDS ON APPLICATIONS
A. Students participating in the project will be required to produce PSAs, work on public affairs programming and write opinion pieces for distribution to the media. Students will be encouraged to write about media policy issues and concerns, to monitor local, state and national policy issues and to translate these issues for their peers and for the general public. Students will be asked to develop and maintain a website where information will be available to other students and to the social justice community.
B. During the legislative session, students will also be required to develop and maintain a blog covering legislative issues.
C. Students will meet with social justice groups prior to the legislative session to help determine priority issues. The blog will help keep social justice groups - particularly groups outside of the capital - informed about policy happenings. Students will work with social justice organizations to help craft media campaigns designed to raise public awareness, ensure that the public is fully informed and that progressive voices and viewpoints are part of policy debates.
D. Students will be assigned a social justice organization and will work closely with the Georgia Forum, People TV, WRFG-FM Radio (community radio station), and the Southern Media Justice Collaboration to identify media opportunities, determine topics for forums, and select speakers and trainers.