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The National Conference on Media Reform: A Report From the Frontlines

A BUZZFLASH READER COMMENTARY
by Dr. Valerie Scatamburlo-D'Annibale

The National Conference on Media Reform which took place this past weekend (Nov. 7-9, 2003) in Madison, Wisconsin was at once an informative, invigorating, and uplifting experience. The event, made possible by the Free Press which was launched in December 2002 by author and University of Illinois professor Robert W. McChesney and John Nichols (The Nation's Washington correspondent), provided a forum for labor, community, and media activists concerned about media policy in general and, the Federal Communications Commission proposed changes that would allow for even greater media consolidation, in particular. As most Buzzflash readers well know, the FCC vote sparked a national outcry and nearly three million people contacted the FCC and members of Congress to express their outrage (see McChesney & Nichol's article "Up in Flames: The Public Revolt Against Media Monopoly" in the November 17th issue of The Nation). The battle, however, is far from over since President Bush and Republican leaders who favor the rule changes have stalled a vote in the House. The struggle, of course, goes beyond this for it is only the beginning of a much needed campaign for substantive, broad-based media reform in the United States. Aptly, the animating theme of the conference was "moving from critique to action" with an eye to envisioning what a more democratic media system might look like in the future.

While the unseasonably chilly winds of autumn enveloped Madison, the heat generated by the (1200 +) participants' energy was undeniable. From the opening remarks delivered to a standing-room only crowd on Friday afternoon to the closing plenaries on Sunday morning, the atmosphere was electric as active citizens (as opposed to passive consumers) expressed their desire to have a media system which is responsive to the needs of the people rather than corporations. A variety of sessions offered both overviews of the issues central to media reform and activist strategies designed to assist people in media reform advocacy in their own communities. Given the impressive roster of speakers amassed for the conference, the highlights of the gathering are too numerous to detail here but one particularly memorable event is worth mentioning and sharing.

It took place on Saturday night at the Orpheum Theatre on State Street. The keynote speaker was Bill Moyers and the joint, as they say, was jumping. Prior to Moyers' address, a number of others including FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein and Senator Russ Feingold took to the stage to remind the crowd that the airwaves belong to the public and should hence serve their interests. Pacifica Radio's Amy Goodman (Democracy Now!) brought the audience to their feet in thunderous applause after saying that never again should 'we the people' allow the media to so cavalierly beat the drum of an illegal and immoral war. As the audience anticipated Moyers turn at the podium, they were treated to an unexpected surprise visitor brought in to formally introduce the featured speaker. That person was none other than the venerable and ever-feisty Studs Terkel whose appearance literally brought down the proverbial house. As I surveyed the reactions of those seated around me -- reactions that ran the gamut from boisterous cheers to heartfelt tears -- I could not help but succumb to my own emotions. Joyous tears trickled down my cheeks and they intersected with a wide grin inspired by the sense of hope that was pulsating throughout the theatre. I was quickly reminded of something Ernst Bloch wrote in Volume One of his magisterial collection The Principle of Hope:

"The emotion of hope goes out of itself, makes people broad instead of confining them . . . The work of this emotion requires people who throw themselves actively into what is becoming . . . Hopelessness is itself, in a temporal and factual sense, the most insupportable thing, downright intolerable to human needs."

Given the current historical conditions, it is easy to lose hope, to grow cynical. After all, we have a Commander-in-Chief who has willingly sent innocent young people to die in an unnecessary and ill-conceived war based on a combination of willfully gross exaggerations and brazen lies. We have a media apparatus that was, especially in the run-up to war, transmogrified into a hollow echo chamber which gleefully played a key role in "manufacturing consent" and "selling the war" to the American population. We have a situation where large sectors of the populace still think George W. Bush is honest and trustworthy and performing well in his duties. It would be easy to wallow in despair and hopelessness but as I sat in the Orpheum Theatre this past weekend, I realized that I had to throw myself even more forcefully (to paraphrase Bloch) into what was becoming -- a nascent movement dedicated to taking back the media. Hopelessness was not an option -- a point driven home by Bill Moyers.

Moyers delivered a speech that was, quite simply, vintage Moyers -- an inspirational mélange of historical insight, meticulously crafted phraseology, well-timed humor, and, above all, a call to action. It was a call to action that served to remind us that a viable democracy is ill-served by a media beholden to corporate special interests and the bottom line. At one point, in the midst of his address, Moyers encouraged members of the audience to look at the people seated around them -- a gesture intended to remind the crowd assembled that they shared a common interest regardless of their "differences." At the end of his speech, Moyers once again directed the audience to look around and he concluded by saying that in the struggle to reform media and take back democracy "You are not alone!" It was a fitting end to a speech that was poignant, buoyant, and encouraging.

The speaker's roster ended with the always hilarious and irreverent Al Franken who poked fun at the right-wing media and their major spokespersons -- Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly. Franken noted Limbaugh's "tough on drug offenders" rhetoric while encouraging the audience to "pray" for Rush during his "rehab." Franken also skewered right-wing blowhard Bill O'Reilly for his hypocrisy on a variety of issues. Franken aptly pointed out that O'Reilly and his ilk want liberals and leftists to "SHUT UP" but in a rousing conclusion to what was an extraordinary night, Franken shouted: "Don't Shut Up . . . Stand Up . . . Stand Up" and Keep Fighting!!!

I must say that I left the theatre incredibly energized and although I was only one person who had taken in the conference, I felt compelled to share my experiences with other BuzzFlash readers since I want them to become as motivated to act as I have. I went to this conference as someone who has written about the problems in American mainstream media, the perils of American empire and the never-ending 'war on terrorism.' I came out as someone who wants to do more than write about what is wrong with the system as it is currently configured. I may have a history of local, personal activism but I am now committed to moving beyond that -- I want to remind people that "hope" is the most amazing emotion.

I had the opportunity to listen to some amazing speeches, I participated in some very informative sessions, I enjoyed the music of some very notable performers in my Madison sojourn but to paraphrase Robert McChesney in his written remarks in the conference program, now it is time to "head out" and "raise some hell." This post is intended to motivate people in that direction. Please visit the Free Press website at www.mediareform.net and start raising hell in your own community.

Sincerely,

Dr. Valerie Scatamburlo-D'Annibale

A BUZZFLASH READER COMMENTARY