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[ [link removed] ]Free Press
Friend,
Like you, we’re watching the news coverage of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
with anxiety, sadness — and frustration over how the media often fail to
pierce the fog of war or to offer deeper context about what’s happening.
Swirling throughout this terrifying situation are so many issues that
touch on the work we do every day to build a more just and equitable media
system that acts as a xxxxxx against fascism here and abroad:
* The global “infodemic” of disinformation and the role social-media
platforms play in amplifying it. Free Press has long pressured
platform companies like Facebook and Google to protect their users
against the spread of lies, propaganda and bigotry.
* The dangerous embrace of authoritarianism by far-right politicians and
propagandists with huge megaphones like Fox News’ Tucker Carlson. From
its inception, Free Press has challenged the political power of
massive conglomerates like News Corp/Fox Television, calling for
diverse and inclusive ownership of the media because who has the power
to tell stories matters.
* The censorship and criminalization of journalists in Russia,
crackdowns on peaceful protest and attempts to prevent independent
journalists from reporting on the conflict. For nearly two decades,
Free Press has worked to defend the right to protest and protect
journalists’ ability to do their jobs.
* U.S. media’s failure — at an incredibly important moment when people
need in-depth reporting and historical and global context — to
question warmongering voices or reject racist tropes in coverage of
the conflict.
* The importance of the free and open Internet for dissenting voices,
citizen-driven tracking of the movement of oligarchs, and the sharing
of information outside of official channels. Free Press fights for
internet users’ rights to access affordable networks and connect and
communicate with others without corporate or government interference.
We’re not writing today to offer easy answers — because there aren’t any.
But we want to share what we are thinking about at this moment and make
the connections to the work happening here that can feel so distant from
the urgency of what’s unfolding in Ukraine. In fact, they aren’t so
distant because we know how fragile democracy is — and have seen how close
our own democracy has come to the brink.
At this critical juncture, there’s never been a greater need for media
systems that support robust coverage of important global and local issues,
question official and corporate narratives, stop the spread of
disinformation, and defend democracy.
A different media — a different future — is possible. But only if we learn
from moments like this one, hold powerful companies and government leaders
accountable, and recognize how instrumental the media systems we build are
to shaping our collective future.
We’re committed at Free Press to the work of connecting and communicating
across borders, transforming the media, and building a true multiracial
democracy. We’re grateful to have you alongside us in that work.
Craig and Jessica
[ [link removed] ]freepress.net
P.S. There’s never been a greater need for media systems that support
robust coverage of important global and local issues, question official
and corporate narratives, stop the spread of disinformation, and defend
democracy. [ [link removed] ]Please consider a donation today to help support our work.
