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.
UN
World Press Freedom Day
UN
Dag Hammarskjold Library Links
UNESCO
World Press Freedom Day
Reporters
Without Borders
World Press Freedom
Committee
World
Press Freedom Review
Changing
The Present: Public Broadcast
See
Also
