MediaChannel.org - Media Reader

Updated April 24, 2002

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Archive

Boycotting Berlusconi
Prime Minister and media mogul Silvio Berlusconi has tightened his grip on state TV. Professor Umberto Eco calls for a boycott of advertisers on Berlusconi's stations, while journalist Paola Di Maio says the boycott should spread worldwide. From Content-wire.com

The Death Of Internet Radio?
Audio webcasting gave independent musicians the outlets they lost when all U.S. broadcast radio went corporate, writes Geov Parrish. But a decision on May 21 could mean the end of Internet radio.
Also see:
• An Internet broadcasting pioneer debates the Recording Industry Association of America
• A prescription for escaping corporate music
From WorkingForChange.com (Working Assets)

Gujarat Riots: The Media's Role In Violence
With its reports of Hindus saving Muslim lives and property, one local publication deserves praise for its non-sensationalist coverage of the riots, says the Editors' Guild.
Also see: Analysis: Newspaper coverage of the violence.
From Media Foundation

The Normalization Of Paranoia
"The same security measures put in place to protect our privacy have the capacity to strip them from us," writes Chris Fitzpatrick, who was investigated when his photographs were interpreted as weapons of terror. From PopMatters Media, Inc.

Youth Media: Hard Work, Big Rewards
With youth-run TV series, a magazine and a PR agency, the Strive Media Institute goes beyond teen media training to promote diversity and empowerment and create visionary media leaders. Laura Ax reports. From Changemakers.net

Chinese Press: Watchdog Or Lapdog?
While Chinese journalists have more freedom than ever, and have shown investigative excellence, some leaders still want the media to be their mouthpiece. Frank Ching on the competing visions of the press. From Globalvision News Network

"How Hip Hop Destroyed Black Power"
Corporate media's co-option of hip hop is just another version of colonialism, says Minister Paul Scott, who urges Black activists to challenge rappers on issues of white supremacy. From The Black World Today

Bush, Ashcroft And Government Secrets
The Bush administration's plans to limit access to government records began before September 11, writes Paul Lagasse, and the terrorist attack only added justification to erode freedom of information. From Digital Freedom Network

Russia: Media Freedom In Regression
The recent assassinations of journalists, defamation suits and media domination by oligarchs are crushing freedom of expression in Russia, warns Natalie Nougayrède. From Index on Censorship

The Myth Of Neutral News
Malaysia's New Straits Times promises "impartiality," "fairness" and "balance" in its news coverage. Outlining the ways news can be framed and constructed, Mustafa K Anuar has doubts about unbiased coverage. From Aliran Kesedaran Negara