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THE INDEPENDENT MEDIA CONVERGENCE PROJECT

The Independent Media Convergence Project (IMCP) was launched last summer not only to stage the October 2000 media conference but also to promote alternatives, create a network and/or coalition, and possibly launch a sustainable, new enterprise in New England. In the coming months, steps will be taken to create a more formal organization, with the support of Toward Freedom, and input from conference sponsors and others.

We don't know yet whether a follow up conference will be held. But obviously,
other groups will be organizing. Plans are underway for a national gathering in San Francisco in April 2000, as well as a continental IMC meeting. In April, the IMCP will provide regional support for the mobilization against corporate globalization, focusing on the Free Trade Agreement for the Americas (FTAA) and Summit of the Americas to be held in Quebec, Canada.

In the meantime, we'll distribute a project network list, including information on many people who attended the conference. If you want to add your name, please write to TF, including an address, phone number, e-mail, main organizational affiliation, website if any, and permission to distribute. If you only want some of the above distributed, that's fine. Creating and distributing the list is one small step toward creating a media coalition that supports social change.

Once the conference has been fully assessed, we'll solicit your help in developing a more effective movement for media democracy. In the meantime, let us know what you are doing by e-mail, letter, or phone at (802) 654-8024. Tax-deductible contributions are also welcome.


LISTENING IN: TAPES OF THE MEDIA CONFERENCE

Thanks to Roger Leisner of Radio Free Maine, over 20 workshops and plenary sessions at the Building Independence Media conference were recorded on audio for distribution. Key sessions will also be available on video. A complete list and copies are available to individuals, or for free airing on non-profit radio stations and public access channels.

If you want to see a list or place an order, e-mail IMCVT@aol.com, or write TF, POB 468, Burlington, VT 05402. Audio tapes will cost $12 each; videos, except for the keynote talks by Amy Goodman and Michael Parenti, will cost $20.

Radio Free Maine records and distributes audio and video taped talks by many
progressive thinkers and activists. One of the most recent is an October, 2000 speech by environmental activist Julia Butterfly Hill, available on audio ($11) and video ($20). For copies or information, write Radio Free Maine, PO Box 2705, Augusta, Me 04338.

An audio tape of Amy Goodman's keynote talk at the conference is available
from Alternative Radio (AR), David Barsamian's weekly public affair program.
AR's tape catalog includes hundreds of talks by people like Ralph Nader,
Michael Parenti, Vandana Shiva, Ben Bagdikian, Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn, and many more. Single tapes cost $13, plus $1 postage (US), $1.50 (overseas).
Write AR, PO Box 551, Boulder, CO 80306; e-mail ar@orci.com; or go to
www.alternativeradio.org.  


A PEOPLE'S PRESS CARD

Under the First Amendment to the US Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we all have the right to freedom of expression. But it's often denied or suppressed by arbitrary authorities and bureaucrats.

Like passports, press credentials are symbols representing that basic right. With this in mind, the IMCP developed a useful independent media press card for the conference. The idea was to create a simple tool that can help independent journalists claim the right of self-expression. Basically, it affirms the bearer's right to collect and disseminate news as a public affairs correspondent (pac) for our project (IMCP) and affiliated publications (TF and network members).

To receive copies of the press card, please send $1 per card to IMCVT c/o TF, POB 468, Burlington, VT 05402. We may also develop a larger, necklace-style card. Meanwhile, with a photo added in the upper left, lamination, and possibly a hole for a chain, the current 2 1/4 x 3 1/2, two-sided card can serve as an access tool that helps you to break through some barricades.

If you use the card and meet resistance, have the authorities involved call our office (802-654-8024). We'll be more than willing to verify that you are who you say you are.

 The January, 2001 Issue of Toward Freedom Magazine focuses on independent media, providing a look at the issues explored at Building Independent Media, the conference held in Vermont last October. 

JANUARY 2001 CONTENT LIST

Global Media: Indy Media Rising
New strategies emerge in the fight against corporate globalization     

Excerpts from Building Independent Media:

Here Comes the Revolution -- MANSE JACOBI, Freespeech TV               
Just Wait and See -- SHERI HERNDON, Seattle IMC    
Open & Unstoppable -- SHAYNE KORYTKO, Vancouver IMC            
Blurring the Lines -- CELIA ALARIO, media strategist 
Making a Difference -- LINDA SETCHELL, Boston IMC
On the Barricades -- NJOKI NJEHU, 50 Years Is Enough Network   
Seizing the Moment -- DAVID BARSAMIAN, Alternative Radio 
Winning the Marathon -- DANNY SCHECHTER, MediaChannel.org

For subscriptions (print, $22.50 / year; e-mail, $11 / year), write to
info@towardfreedom.com. Send checks to TF, PO Box 468, Burlington, VT 05402.
For information, e-mail or call (802) 654-8024.