Independent Media 2008 Press Conference
Jason Houk, 15.04.2008 13:35
Independent media was the topic of a press conference in Ashland on Monday where media activists, citizens and politicians gathered to support independent media and showcase how the public benefits from having a voice in the media.
Jeff Golden, author and host of Immense Possibilities Radio
Media Activist Wes Brain helped MC the event
State Representative Peter Buckley
The press conference was held at Peace House in Ashland. Peace House director Pam Vavra opened the press conference with a few words about public access to information and related it to last years library closures in Jackson County. "Unfettered access to information is such a cornerstone to democracy," Vavra said.
Jeff Golden, host of Immense Possibilities Radio, shared his views on the state of media in this country. Golden railed against current trends in mainstream media and outlined his "to do" list on how we can build the independent media momentum.
1. Promote independent media anywhere you can. Golden suggests to "make a point of recommending 2 or 3 sources" for independent media to friends, family and neighbors.
2. Challenge the professional journalism model. The model that suggests only mainstream media is "professional" while independent media is simply "advocacy". Look with a sceptical eye at what stories are covered, what sources are considered and what experts are called upon to report the news.
3. Catch the mainstream media doing it right. Let your local media sources know when they are doing a good job. Tell advertisers too.
4. We have to be sceptical of indepent media. Examine sources and be able to demonstrate the truth when the credibility of independent media is at stake.
State Representative Peter Buckley spoke on his frustrations with mainstream media's inability to cover important issues thoroughly. "Obviously the word isn't getting out about the issues that are impacting us."
Buckley lamented the power that traditional media can have in hampering the will of the people and the problem of having too much consolidation of news resources. "There is extreme danger to us..." Buckley warned.
Buckley also agreed it is important to be credible when sourcing alternative media "unless you back up what is said ... you loose your credibility."
The press conference concluded with a 2005 video interview by Peter Buckley of Amy Goodman, host of Democracy Now. Following the press conference, Peace House showed the video Sir! No Sir! which tells the long suppressed story of the GI movement to end the war in Vietnam.
The press conference was part of Independent Media Week 2008. For more information visit 
http://www.kskq.org/indymediaweek/
Homepage:: http://www.kskq.org/indymediaweek/
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