Alternative Media Meeting report

In lieu of minutes, I (Benny) can give a brief summary of the proceedings of the first Alt Media meeting a few days ago. This report is filtered through my particular memory and experience.

About ten people were in attendance. Given that the Springfield area's real information/media needs are not being met, we discussed options for producing an alternative news source ourselves, for the community. We discussed format, then content, but I'll present these topics in reverse order.

Content
There seemed to be strong desire to focus on local (state & regional as well?) news, especially the "stories behind the stories"--not just the what, but the why and how. There was a desire to serve as a watchdog for other area media, challenging their reports and rooting out misinformation when necessary. There was a desire to cover news affecting marginalized communities, e.g., youth, poor, ethnic minorities, etc.


Format
We discussed different media including radio, cable access, web (whether a local IMC or non-affiliated), print, and some other stuff.

The feeling was that radio is probably too costly. Print is also costly, and we were reluctant to consider compromising the integrity of coverage by relying on advertisement funding for either (after all, that's why mainstream media is broken). Cable access grants interesting possibilities.

A website seemed a good way to begin. Although not everyone has easy access, the net has several advantages: 1) low cost; 2) the indymedia.org system plugs local members into a worldwide network with high visibility and technical expertise; 3) diversifiability: with web-based delivery, we could ease into radio or video--if we so desired--via webcast, before delving into the traditional broadcast delivery. It would also be easy to compile a print periodical from material housed on the website.

No final decisions were reached. We scheduled a follow-up meeting at which kind individuals have promised to present some more details on the various formats. I can't remember the date....:) Rest assured, it'll be on the calendar. We will also be working with Sue Skidmore, who is putting together programs on low-power radio, media reform and more.

Whether you attended the first meeting or not, please get involved with this project. The system of hierarchy and exploitation under which the whole world suffers is maintained by ignorance and disinformation. The truth will set us free. Let's shed some light and open some cages.