SUPERLIST NO. 822

Free the press

Ways to help reform the media in the Bay Area

By Erica Holt

› superlists@sfbg.com

With net freedom under attack, media consolidation increasing, and cable rates on the rise, now is the time to get involved in media activism. Local advocates have been busy organizing campaigns for media policies in the public interest, open access to communications technologies, and limits on further concentration of media ownership. The following groups, all operating on small budgets, welcome volunteers for tasks ranging from policy research to writing the FCC to office assistance.

The Northern California chapter of Action Coalition for Media Education, ACME-NorCal (1550 Market, second floor, SF. 415-552-5521, www.acme-norcal.org) provides classroom space for media-education trainings and activist meet-ups. The group needs office workers, fundraisers, video editors, and help with its fledgling Internet radio station. Media educators who want to volunteer to teach are offered free classroom space at the facilities.

Be the Media (PO Box 262, Tiburon. 415-380-1912, www.bethemedia.org) campaigns for more diverse media ownership, supports fair franchise agreements with cable providers, and fights for press neutralilty. For those who want hands-on experience in media reform, the organization needs help updating blog posts, writing letters to editors, doing media policy research, and writing and distributing broadcast public service announcements.

Media Action Marin (1000 Sir Francis Drake, Room 18, San Anselmo. 415-454-5027, www.mediaactionmarin.org) promotes balance in the media and fights for community access to the public airwaves. Volunteers help with phone calls, e-mails, Web site updates, and media policy research.

Media Alliance (1904 Franklin, Ste. 500, Oakl. 510-832-9000, ext. 302, www.media-alliance.org) celebrated its 30th anniversary this year as a resource for advocates supporting ethics and diversity in the media. The organization also holds journalism and social justice trainings. Volunteers help with basic office work, events and classes, and activism. You can count your hours toward membership, the job listing service, or classes.

Youth Media Council (1611 Telegraph, Ste. 510, Oakl. 510-444-0640, www.action.youthmediacouncil.org) organizes youth-driven campaigns to hold local media accountable. Its latest effort, Unplug Clear Channel, mobilized thousands to call for more diversity in local radio. Volunteers can sign postcards, monitor radio, television, and newspapers, do outreach for events, make phone calls, and perform general office tasks. *