Dear Friend,

The excitement in the air is palpable. America has elected a president that understands the importance of independent and diverse media. Barack Obama has been a vocal supporter of Net Neutrality and affordable, high-speed Internet access for all Americans. He advocates rolling back the media consolidation that has fostered salacious “lipstick-on-a-pig” journalism and celebrity gossip that passes for news.

Recent crises have proven that smart policymaking is central to a sound economy and a healthy democracy. This is a great moment of opportunity, but our work is far from over. Indeed, it has never been more important.

Thousands of journalists continue to be laid off across the country. We still face the same well-funded media lobbyists in Washington who are determined to tighten their hold on the media and become gatekeepers of the Internet. And while we were shocked by the superficial, gaffe-obsessed reporting of the presidential election, the idea that we can change the media by changing media policies is still new to most people.

In this issue of Media Reform News, you’ll read how our movement came together in June, with more than 3,500 people turning out for our National Conference for Media Reform in Minneapolis. Just a few months later, the Twin Cities would be on the national stage again — but as another example of America’s eroding press freedoms. Read about the dozens of journalists who were arrested during the Republican National Convention — and the rapid organizing effort that helped get the charges against them dropped.

Also in this issue, you’ll learn about the historic victory we won for Net Neutrality, when the FCC told cable giant Comcast to stop illegally blocking Internet traffic, as well as the other important vote on election day — when the FCC voted to open up the empty “white spaces” on the TV dial for new devices that could bring Internet access to millions.

You’ll also see how we’re making sure all Americans have access to the Net through our latest initiative, InternetforEveryone.org.

These are exciting times for media reform advocates and our nation. We’ll need your continued participation and support more than ever before. Thanks so much for all that you do.

Onward,

Josh Silver
Executive Director