March 7 public forum to give Durham a voice in shaping the future of the Internet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: February 4, 2009
Contact: Lindsy Embree, InternetforEveryone.org, (413) 585-1533, x 306 or (413) 548-6323

WASHINGTON -- InternetforEveryone.org -- a national initiative of groups that are working to bring the benefits of a fast, affordable and open Internet connection to everyone in America -- will hold its second town hall meeting on March 7 in Durham, N.C. This event is part of a nationwide series designed to give local citizens a seat at the table as new leadership shapes America’s broadband future.

WHAT: InternetforEveryone.org Town Hall Meeting
WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. EST
WHERE: Durham Marriott Convention Center, 201 Foster Street, Durham, N.C.

High-speed Internet, or "broadband," is becoming a crucial public necessity -- but more than 40 percent of all U.S. homes are not connected or use slow "dial-up" technology. To address this digital divide, President Barack Obama has vowed to "expand broadband lines across America," and Congress is poised to spend billions on broadband as part of its economic stimulus bill. InternetforEveryone.org will deliver feedback from the Durham town hall meeting to the Obama administration and Congress as a national guide to building a better Internet.

"Leadership in Washington has made Internet for everyone a national priority," said Timothy Karr, campaign director of Free Press, the organizer of InternetforEveryone.org. "But getting everyone connected won’t happen overnight. In North Carolina alone, nearly 5 million citizens are without high-speed access. Building an open, fast, affordable Internet is a process that requires true public participation. Washington must listen to the people of Durham, and others across the country, in order to build an Internet that works for all Americans."

For more information, visit www.InternetforEveryone.org/Events/Durham.

###

Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Free Press does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media and universal access to communications.