As recent events in Iran have shown, technology has given ordinary people the power to inform neighbors down the street and strangers halfway around the world about important events regardless of government censorship or corporate media indifference. "Community media" - citizen-operated print, broadcast and digital technologies - is filling the information needs of a growing number of Americans. This Thursday in Portland, the Alliance for Community Media's 2009 international conference begins, where hundreds of media activists will discuss new concepts in community media and challenge old ones. Is community media reaching and reflecting the community? Are there lessons to be learned from the professional media? What is the future of community media?
This week, Jo Ann and Dave talk with Erik Mollberg , chair of the Indiana Chapter of the Alliance for Community Media, and director of Ft Wayne's Public, Educational and Governmental television services. Mollberg, one of the organizers of the conference, lobbies and writes extensively for greater realization of public access to media. Also on hand will be Phil Busse, founder of the Northwest Institute for Social Change, and two participants in the institutes's summer media camp, a program for learning how to use art and media to create social change.
The conversation doesn't end when the program does. You can join in additional discussion of the week's issue on our blog at kboo.fm/voicesfromtheedge (click on the "blog" tab). You'll find additional information, important links, comments from other listeners and commentary from Jo Ann and Dave. Have a question for our guests, but can't call in during the program? Post your questions on line so we can make them a part of the Voices discussion.