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About IMC

"Telecommunications, computers, and the digital revolution could help to democratize information, making it accessible to all. They could even spur a shift in values from uniformity to diversity, from centralization to local democracy, and from domination of nature and human beings to cooperative solutions."  -- from the Conference Call

The Independent Media Convergence Project brings together activists, advocates, and progressive media workers to share experiences, examine the current media environment, discuss alternatives, develop a common agenda, and help to build a sustainable movement for media democracy.

Our Goals
   
1) To develop principles and proposals that promote alternatives and improve access to all media,

2) To create a media coalition that supports fundamental social change, and

3) To launch a new publication, station, or independent media center or network

An Independent Media Conference
   
On October 14 -- just as activists return from a season of global protests and the national elections move into overdrive -- progressive media professionals and activists will gather to share experiences and attempt to develop a common agenda. We'll examine the current environment, discuss the alternatives, and take concrete steps to help build a movement for media democracy. Workshops will cover theory, organizing strategies, and the practical side of creating and sustaining new media.

Why Now?

Media merger madness is clearly upon us. At the same time, however, computers, the Internet, video, community radio, independent newspapers, and related new technologies offer opportunities for democratization and empowerment. Activists resisting globalization across borders are already using independent radio, online, and print outlets to help build a movement for global justice and democracy.

Coverage of recent events -- from distorting the message of protests in Seattle, Washington, and around the world, to disinforming the public about interventions in Colombia, Kosovo, and Iraq, as well as the true impacts of "free market" capitalism -- demonstrates that we need more powerful ways to counteract the corporate agenda. With so many possibilities, issues, and potential strategies -- but limited resources -- we also need a clearer set of priorities.

We believe the time is right for a resurgence of media advocacy. As the Conference Call states, "Telecommunications, computers, and the digital revolution could help to democratize information, making it accessible to all. They could even spur a shift in values from uniformity to diversity, from centralization to local democracy, and from domination of nature and human beings to cooperative solutions."

Project Coordinator: Greg Guma

Conference Planning Committee: Michael Badamo, Gerry Colby, Charlotte Dennett, Mark Estrin, Ed Everts, Arthur Foelsche, Joe Gainza, Robin Lloyd, Will Miller, Jay Moore, Dian Mueller, Shay Totten.