The corporate concentration of media ownership is a real threat to democracy. However, there are alternatives. There are real journalists out there, journalists who do the research and analysis into those grey areas the mainstream media avoids, there are activists who know what is going on in their own communities and have the facilities (thanks to the internet) to tell the world. Facilities such as Indymedia, a global network of locally controlled grassroots websites, with 'open publishing' which enables anyone to contribute. One of their favoured slogans is "Don't hate the media, be the media", and it is massive. The emergence of websites such as this is a promising starting point in the fight back against the corporate media. We don't need their interpretation of the world, we know 'Terrorism' and Asylum Seekers are not the greatest threats facing us, we wont be distracted by their fear mongering. The greatest threat right now is against democracy, our civil liberties, our public spaces and services, our living standards, welfare and environment. Threats which are a direct result of the 'War on Terror' and globalisation. We know this because we can find out what is going on in the world ourselves, by seeking out real journalism and sharing it, by sharing information, telling our stories and participating in lively, inclusive and broad ranging debate. Through this we get a fuller picture of the world and a better understanding of it.

Quality websites like Indymedia, amongst others, run the stories behind events like Genoa or the World Social Forums, which don't get into the papers or the TV bulletins. They will run features on street level popular assemblies springing up in Argentina as a result of the country's IMF inspired economic collapse and showcase resistance to privatisation in South Africa or anti-Zionist demonstrations in Israel. They cover an array of popular actions and movements which you would be very unlikely to hear about in the mainstream media. Power To The People will point you in the direction of real journalism, of well researched information and analysis, of alternative view points and the opportunity to debate. Power To The People will link you to the 'Movement of Movements', find out what is really going on in the world and how to get involved in changing it.

To a certain extent, we can also hold the mainstream media to account by spreading the word with regard to what we find in the real press. If you hear family, friends etc regurgitating the media's misinformation as fact, put them straight. Tell people the facts when you know them, otherwise ignorance will kill off any popular call for change.

We can also hold 'em to account, to a certain degree, by indignantly complaining. It wont revolutionise the media, but it might force 'newspapers' and others to explain themselves, admit willful errors and print humiliating withdrawals. Or, it will show 'self regulation' and the corporate media's claim of 'independence' to be a farce, either way it is worth doing. (See our 'How To Hold The Media To Account' page for relevant links)

The only way to totally negate the power of the corporate media though, is to think for yourself, ignore them and encourage others to do the same. If Murdoch's circulation plummeted, do you think he would have the same influence over our 'democracy'? Be the media yourself, seek out real journalism for yourself, pass it on. Armed with the facts. Hold 'Em To Account!!!

1. Intro
2. Independent Press?
3. Independent Politicians?
4. Hold em to Account!!

Links to Real Journalism