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May 15, 2005
Why I do what I do
Many of you know that I am heavily involved in the creation of a community radio station serving Southern Oregon - KSKQ 94.9FM. We're well on our way to broadcasting full time as we're raising funds, signing up members and planning and organizing.
What many may not know is why I'm involved and why I feel its one of the most important things in my life right now. I've focused just about all of my available volunteer time to the task (a little bit is left over to run behind the scenes at truffula.net supporting rogueimc.org and abbey.indymedia.org too). Independent media is incredibly important as it represents the last system of accountability in our society. When all else fails - magazine, newspaper, radio, TV - it is the unaffiliated, unowned, and un-enfranchised that keeps power in check. Whether it is Thomas Paine or Henry David Thoreau or Bill Moyers or the thousands of independent media producers active throughout the world today, these are the maintainers of the voice of the people. In a time of corporate media domination, of government and corporation cooperation for their mutual benefit, of pretend policy debates determining the course of our country, the role of the independent media as government watchdog and keeper of the truth, has never been more essential.
Today I heard a speech given by Bill Moyers. He articulates the necessity for independent journalism in such compelling terms that I hope you all will give it a listen and get involved. I copied the speech to the KSKQ server and you should be able to hear it at http://www.kskq.org/moyers.mp3
using WinAmp or QuickTime or MediaPlayer. Just click on it in your browser and it should come right up. More information about the event he was speaking at can be found at Free Press.
I know that many who will receive this are already seriously involved in independent media. The speech then becomes a great reminder and motivator - a cord of wood for our inner fire - a call to arms - a rallying cry to encourage us to continue working hard, long and late; the battle for the future continues and the role of the media is no less than the crafting of the consciousness of tomorrow.
Enjoy,
John
"The one thing they loathe more than liberals is the truth." -- Bill Moyers
Posted by John at May 15, 2005 09:55 PM
