Women's Institute for
Freedom of the Press
Communication News
Last Updated: September 1, 2010
Contents:
2. Highlights of Media Democracy Organizations
3. Links for Alternative Media and Media Democracy Concerns -- Organizations & Resources 4. Book Notes
Freedom of Information in Tanzania Editorial Whoever said excessive administration secrecy feeds conspiracy theories and reduces the public’s confidence in government put it excellently. And the words of wisdom are especially relevant to ongoing efforts to enhance freedom of information in Tanzania. Feminist Hulk By Becky Little, WIFP On May 11, 2010, the following tweet went out on twitter: HULK SAYS FUCK PATRIARCHY. HULK HERE TO SMASH GENDER BINARY. That was the first tweet by Feminist Hulk, who since then has gained 14,845 followers on twitter and was recently interviewed by Ms. Magazine (interview here: http://msmagazine.com/blog/blog/2010/06/07/feminist-hulk-smash-exclusive-interview-with-ms/). Brandishing a copy of Judith Butler's Gender Trouble in his twitter icon, Feminist Hulk delivers feminist-theory centered tweets with comic twist, writing things like: "DON'T MAKE ME CRITIQUE YOUR COMPLICITY IN MALE PRIVILEGE. YOU WOULDN'T LIKE ME WHEN I'M CRITIQUING YOUR COMPLICITY IN MALE PRIVILEGE." The creator of Feminist Hulk, who uses the pseudonym "J" said in the Ms. interview: "While I wonder if Feminist Hulk might attract people already familiar with theory, the possibility that Hulk might be making ideas like gender performativity more accessible is awesome!" You can follow Feminist Hulk at: http://twitter.com/feministhulk
Progress for Women Journalists in Saudi Arabia By Emilia Ninova, WIFP Alarming statistics regarding women’s participation in Saudi Arabian media recently came to light at a symposium organized by the Princess Jawaher bint Naif Center for Women's Research and Development. According to these numbers, “5 percent of full-time staff at the Kingdom's 12 newspapers is female and […] women journalists in the newspaper industry make up 22.7 percent of the overall workforce.” Abdul Rahman Al-Hazza'a, assistant undersecretary at the Ministry of Culture and Information, spoke for the Ministry when he said that there is always room for a greater presence of women in the Kingdom’s media. Currently one of the obstacles to female journalists is that they are forced to write on stereotypically “female” concerns, such as fashion, style and social issues. There is much more that women can contribute to plenty of other topics, including politics and sports, sectors usually dominated by men. The comments by Al-Hazza’a came two months after the creation of an all-women journalism center at Al-Jazirah newspaper, an important step towards progress. Al-Jazirah Editor in Chief Khaled Al-Malik said he hoped this would not be a singular occurrence and that other media outlets would soon follow suit. Until very recently women were only involved in the newspaper industry as reporters, and “it is about time they become more involved in the whole process of newspaper production,” added Al-Malik. Sources: http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article35731.ece The Alternative Information Center (AIC) is an internationally oriented, progressive, joint Palestinian-Israeli activist organization. It is engaged in dissemination of information, political advocacy, grassroots activism and critical analysis of the Palestinian and Israeli societies as well as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The AIC strives to promote full individual and collective social, economic, political and gender equality, freedom and democracy and a rejection of the philosophy (ideology and praxis) (weltanschauung) of separation. The most urgent regional task is to find a just solution to the century-old colonial conflict in Palestine and confront the ongoing Israeli occupation-regime within its international framework. The AIC method of action develops from the awareness that local struggle must be practically and analytically situated within the framework of the global justice struggle. Democratic Communiqué: Call for Papers March 2010 Democratic Communiqué (DC), a publication of Union for Democratic Communications (UDC), is a North American-based peer-reviewed journal dedicated to examining all forms and aspects of mediated and communicative phenomena and issues through critical social-scientific, cultural, and historical theoretical orientations. Previous articles have addressed alternative and community media, transnational capital and information flows, social and economic dynamics of telecommunication and media industries, information technology and surveillance, the relationship between labor and media industries, and close examination of cultural practices and artifacts. The Journal also considers critical essays and book reviews of current titles (2008-2010). Author Guidelines: Emerging scholars are especially encouraged to submit their advanced work for editorial consideration. DC has a rolling submission deadline and manuscripts are presently being reviewed for Volume 24, 2010. All submissions undergo a double-blind peer-review. Manuscripts should adhere to the author-date system of The Chicago Manual of Style, 15th Edition, be double-spaced throughout with a detachable title page containing the principal author’s full contact information, and should not exceed 8,500 words, including notes and references. Further inquiries on manuscript preparation should be sent to the editor at the address below. Please send either one electronic Word copy of the manuscript OR three paper copies to: Target Women Abby Paulson, WIFP The cardinal rule of advertising may be "know your audience," but when it comes to marketing to women, advertisers often employ outdated stereotypes, constricting gender roles, and fear appeals in order to sell their products. It's a disappointing state of affairs, but comedian Sarah Haskins is calling out advertisers on their mistakes--and making it funny. Haskins is a correspondent on Current TV's InfoMania, but her segment, "Target Women," has independently become an internet hit. Haskin's lampoon of yogurt commercials has over 106,000 views on YouTube. "Oh! Oh! Please mention more things I generically relate to, and then go to a wedding!" Haskins pleads to the yogurt advertisers. They oblige. The segments take on everything from shallow wedding shows to sexualized burger commercials with clever humor and a critical eye. "Target Women" does for feminism what The Daily Show does for politics: it illustrates the regular absurdity of the mainstream media with healthy humor and a dash of bitterness. It's comedy aimed at awareness, and Haskins pulls it off with ease. "Target Women" can be found online at http://current.com/target-women/
Four Women Journalists Kidnapped by Supporters of Female Genital Mutilation "Such disgraceful behaviour worthy of a bygone age is very damaging to Sierra Leone's image," Reporters Without Borders said. "We urge the president to personally intervene in this case to ensure that the perpetrators receive an exemplary punishment. We also urge the minister of social welfare, gender and children's affairs, Haja Musu Kandeh, to take note of this incident, which is very traumatic for all women in Sierra Leone." The four reporters – Manjama Balama-Samba of the United Nations radio and the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service (SLBS), Henrietta Kpaka of the SLBS, Isha Jalloh of Eastern Radio and Jenneh Brima, also of Eastern Radio – were kidnapped on 6 February by members of Bondo, a secret society that practices FGM. The next day, their abductors forcibly undressed Balama-Samba and made her walk naked through the streets. The journalists had been conducting a series of interviews jointly with the Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices in order to mark International Day of Zero Tolerance of Female Genital Mutilation, which was celebrated on 6 February for the 5th year running. The Bondo group regarded their questions and comments as a sign of disrespect for their traditions. According to UN estimates, 94 per cent of women in Sierra Leone have been subjected to FGM. Sources in Sierra Leone put it at more like 65 per cent, partly as a result of the country's Christians taking a stand against the practice. The government publicly undertook last year to adopt a law banning FGM but has not yet done so.
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Text on front: WIFP Text on back: If you are not careful, the newspapers will have www.wifp.org
“End to Sexism In Media” Campaign Book of Women’s Media Watch Group (MEDIZ) in Turkey Just Published Announcement by Women's Media Watch Group: Campaign activities: Visual and press bulletins, conference of For a Nonsexist Media and research on Forms of Representation of Women in Media are in book of “End to Sexism In Media”. We started our campaign “End to Sexism in Media” by saying "Page three girl" in papers, "Victim" or "Monster" in women's talk shows, "Selfless Mother", "Good girl" or "Femme-fatale" in TV serials, Wrapped in "Flag" or "Veil" on politics pages, and generally "Backstage" and "Invisible" Enough is enough!. Book of “End to Sexism in Media” which includes campaign activities -presentations of conference “For a Nonsexist Media” and research on “Forms of Representation of Women in Media” -has published. End to Sexism in Media! campaign aims to contribute to: -Research on “Forms of Representation of Women in Media” includes two weeks research which watches violations of women's rights, discrimination and sexism forms in media by following television and radio channels, daily newspapers and web sites. -International conference "For Nonsexist Media” which is held in Istanbul Bilgi University - Dolapdere Campus on the 3 - 4th of May; we discussed how media can be non-sexist with media managers and workers, media watch groups and agents from feminist media, academicians, women journalists and women organizations in book of “End to Sexism in Media”. We started to distribute campaign book of “End to Sexism in Media” that is prepared with support of European Commission within the framework of European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Mama Cash and Global Fund For Women. Those who are interested can provide the book without any charge. We wish to work all together with you for a media without discrimination against women. Women’s Media Watch - MEDIZ Nepal gets its first all women private radio Kathmandu (PTI): A private FM radio fully operated by women has been established in the industrial town of Biratnagar in eastern Nepal. Purvanchal FM station is the first community-run radio in Nepal that has started broadcasting an eight-hour daily transmission with all women employees, officials said.
by Bonnie Carlson, WIFP The name says it all: Reclaim the Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to gaining media accessibility and control for all citizens. Founded in 2002, the group is rooted in the premise that a democratized media is critically important, and to get there, this organization is guided by three major goals: changing media policy teaching media literacy, and supporting community media. The group's website is equipped with a section entitled "Bookshelf", which lists books regarding media access, as well as a section entitled "Recent Stories", which provides a frequently updated page of news stories relevant to media control. One of Reclaim the Media's most exciting new projects is its community radio show entitled Listen Up! Northwest. Broadcast weekly, this thirty-minute segment features stories about community activism taking place in the Northwest. The first installation of this program, which aired on June 19, 2008 and is available on the website, detailed a variety of stories, including an environmental initiative and a move for empowerment in women's prison each taking place in Northwestern towns. For the more technologically savvy among us, Reclaim the Media also hosts a channel on YouTube. This subscription-only site gives users access to dozens of online videos pertinent to issues of media neutrality. Popular videos include testimony at the Federal Communications Commission hearings held in Seattle in 2007 as well as statements made by politicians regarding media consolidation. For more information and to support their efforts, visit www.reclaimthemedia.org. Links for
Alternative Media and Media Democracy Concerns -- (be sure to return to the WIFP website!) http://www.wikinews.org/: Media Democracy in Action! MediaWatch, challenging racism, sexism and violence in the media through education and activism, P.O. Box 618, Santa Cruz, CA 95061-0618. (831) 423-6355. Email: mwatch@cruzio.com The outstanding newsletter is available by subscription for $20 ($10 low income). Center for Media Justice The Center for Media Justice is a member-driven media strategy and action center dedicated to creating a collaborative movement for racial justice and youth rights. Together with our participants, members, partners, and allies—the Center for Media Justice builds the power of grassroots movements and disenfranchised communities to transform public debate and win media accountability in the service of justice. Progressive Communicators Network The Progressive Communicators Network exists to strengthen and amplify the power, voices, and vision of grassroots movements that are working for racial, social, economic, and environmental justice. Network members use communication strategy, framing and messaging, and media tools to: 1) enhance the influence of social change movements on public policy and opinion; and 2) realize a world without poverty, racism, and other forms of oppression. The Network is a project of Spirit in Action, a movement-building support organization located in western Massachusetts. Save the Internet is a coalition working together to keep the internet open and free. Feisty Aphrodite was conceived of by two frustrated women fed-up with the corporate media’s lack of responsibility to educate its people. "We are now a resource focused on bringing the many feminine perspectives to the world through information, activism and independent media. Please peruse our site, where we offer our guests the opportunity to voice their perspectives via blogging, podcasts and the gallery." Project Censored The mission of Project Censored is to teach students and the public about the role of a free press in a free society – and to tell the News That Didn’t Make the News and Why Center for International Media Action CIMA seeks to advance media access and representation and to support diverse voices and actors in media reform, media production and media accountability. Reclaim the Media is a coalition of independent journalists, media activists and
community organizers in the Pacific Northwest, promoting press
freedom and community media access as prerequisites for a functioning
democracy. Media Access Project is a non-profit, public interest law firm which promotes the public's
First Amendment right to hear and be heard on the electronic media
of today and tomorrow.
 Citizens Communication Center and Minority Media and Telecommunications
Council Among those working on Broadcast Ownership Rules: David Honig, Executive Director, at Minority
Media and Telecommunications Council (202-332-0500 or 332-7005). Virtual Alternative Media Project An impressive resource that will lead you to new places. Be sure to bookmark the site because you'll want to go back for more. Women's Radio Fund "Our mission is to build a support network for women radio producers and broadcasters worldwide." National Federation of Community Broadcasters The National Federation of Community Broadcasters (NFCB) is a national membership organization of community-oriented, non-commercial radio stations. Large and small, rural and urban, eclectic or targeted toward specific communities, the member stations are distinguished by their commitment to localism and community participation and support. Free Press "If we want a media system that serves democratic and cultural values, we must address the root causes of the problem - media ownership, management, regulation, and subsidy. We must open up and democratize media policy debates, and craft a media system that reduces the power held by the enormous corporations and advertisers that today dominate the media culture. "Free Press is a new national media reform organization working to open up and ignite policy debates, reinforce outreach efforts in Washington and across the nation, strengthen the media reform network, and - using seasoned organizers and cutting-edge communications strategies - make media a bona fide issue in America." The Girls, Women
+ Media Project The
Girls, Women + Media Project is a national non-profit advocacy
initiative and network, working to promote fairer, healthier,
more positive images of girls and women in the media through awareness
and concerted action. Action Coalition
for Media Education (ACME) October 18-20,
2002 marked the founding summit of the Action Coalition for Media
Education (ACME), at the beautiful campus of the Albuquerque Academy
in New Mexico. ACME, free of corporate media funding, is a strategic
network linking media educators, health advocates, media reformers,
independent media makers, community organizers and others. ACME
will: Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR) "FAIR, the national media watch group, has been offering well-documented criticism of media bias and censorship since 1986. We work 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 neglected news stories and defend working journalists when they are muzzled. As a progressive group, FAIR believes that structural reform is ultimately needed to break up the dominant media conglomerates, establish independent public broadcasting and promote strong non-profit sources of information. Uniquely, FAIR works with both activists and journalists." Media Matters for America "Media Matters for America is a Web-based, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) progressive research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media. Launched in May 2004, Media Matters for America put in place, for the first time, the means to systematically monitor a cross section of print, broadcast, cable, radio, and Internet media outlets for conservative misinformation — news or commentary that is not accurate, reliable, or credible and that forwards the conservative agenda — every day, in real time." http://www.apcwomen.org/"We are a global network of women who support women networking for social change and women's empowerment, through the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). We promote gender equality in the design, development, implementation, access to and use of ICTs and in the policy decisions and frameworks that regulate them."
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Annie Brown, WIFP Associate 
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Women's Institute for Freedom of the Press 1940 Calvert Street, NW Washington, DC 20009-1502 phone: 202-265-6707 email: media democracy [at] wifp.org www.wifp.org |