Activism
Media
Challenging mainstream media and building independent media are equally important components of media activism. Long-term community pressure and grassroots action are key to media reform. For this, groups, websites and resources, such as The Electronic Intifada are vital. They identify, document and challenge inaccurate or unfair news coverage, and promote independent media. (Added 24 October 2003)

United States
  • Ali Abunimah's bitter pill - uncovering media myths about the Middle East since 1999. Personal media activism at its most effective.
  • Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR), Middle East section - national media watch group, has been offering well-documented criticism of media bias and censorship since 1986. FAIR works to invigorate the First Amendment by advocating for greater diversity in the press and by scrutinizing media practices that marginalize public interest, minority and dissenting viewpoints. As an anti-censorship organization, we expose important news stories that are neglected and defend working journalists when they are muzzled.
  • Institute for Public Accuracy (IPA) - a nationwide consortium of policy researchers, the Institute for Public Accuracy seeks to broaden public discourse by gaining media access for those whose perspectives are commonly drowned out by corporate-backed think tanks and other influential institutions. With systematic outreach to mass media, the Institute promotes the inclusion of outlooks that usually get short shrift. The Institute's news releases provide well-documented analysis that is pegged on fast-breaking events while focusing on fundamental issues.
  • Al-Awda Media Activism - a resource provided by the Palestine Right of Return Coalition (Al-Awda).
  • Palestine Media Watch - promotes fair and accurate coverage of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in the US mainstream media.
  • Media Monitors Network (MMN) - MMN is "a non-profit, non-biased and non-political platform which endeavors to bring the truth to light by providing well-informed answers to any disputed, controversial topic being broadcast, web cast, published, distributed or telecast in the world media. MMN seeks the truth concerning most critical 'hot topics', which can be twisted by the world media. MMN was established in California in October 2000 ..." Uncritical posting of poorly-informed writing next to quality writing undermines this project.


    United Kingdom
  • CAABU Letters to the Press - The Council for the Advancement for Arab-British Understanding (CAABU) is a UK-based organisation that does some very good media work.
  • Arab Media Watch - "AMW was set up to tackle a proliferation of traditional bias, ignorance and misunderstanding in the British media regarding Arab issues".


    Palestine
  • Palestine Media Watch Group - "Whether a student, community activist, politician or an average citizen, these fact sheets produced by Palestine Monitor will provide you with concise information on the different issues related to the current Intifada and Palestine.
  • Arabic Media Internet Network - Internews Middle East, with links to Arab newspapers, news and reports, journalists and newstand.


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