We are forming a progressive television network. We are in the initial

[saracat]

stages and I would like to find out if any media savvy ,or not, individuals would like to join this effort? I have just gotten involved and we are at the babystage.We are drafting our plans as we speak. The lack of coverage last week was the last straw, and when I got the invitation to particpate in this, I jumped at it.We will need all kinds of help from information from media connected individuals, to ,of course , money. I will let everyone know the details as I find them out, but I would like to know if anyone would be willing to jump on board in any capacity

[mzmolly]

1. Count me in somehow!

:hi:

[merh]

2. Good to hear saracat.

You may want to correspond with Skinner and let him know what you have going. If it comes time for donations, he has to approve threads seeking same and it would be better to keep him informed at all stages.

Good luck and let me know what I might be able to do to help. My prayers are with you all.

:yourock:

[saracat]

5. Thanks. I am just soo angry about the media coverage, and I have worked

some of them, that I would do just about anything to make this fly. The blackout on the Contest of electors is outrageous!

[merh]

15. Agreed, if I thought it would help to send each of the talking

heads a letter trying to shame them, I would. But I don't think any of them have a conscience. A shame letter would not do any good. I am serious, if I can help in any way. Just let me know. Best of luck :toast:

[InvisibleBallots]

3. who is we?

Who is involved?

[saracat]

7. We ,right now, I am new to this ,appears to be several

local media people in Phoenix. We would be whomever wants to be involved I think. I will let everyone know more as it developes! I am also bringing some other local people to the table.

[blondeatlast]

19. PHOENIX? PM me, grrl, please! (If you can reveal that much.)

The heart of the reddest county on earth?

Hell, yes, I wanna help!

[FloridaPat]

4. Put me on your list too.

[tridim]

6. Very interested

I don't have broadcast experience, but I have lots of video, animation and web development skills. I'm certain I could help in several capacities.

Is this the Al Gore network by chance?

[saracat]

8. No .He isgoing to be "youth" oriented. We would like an alternative to

FAUX!

[lawladyprof]

22. Maybe, you could, in time, persuade,

Robert Redford to produce (finance/partially finance) the progressive docu-dramas I described below.

[DaedelusNemo]

45. Alternative to Fox in what way?

Like literally a liberal version of what Fox does (hopefully more truthful, as the facts are on your side?) Lots of talk, some news? Are you talking about locally in Phoenix or for national broadcast?

I'd love to see some media start up. Not sure what i can specifically do to help but i'd certainly jump into any discussions of goals, strategies or tactics that might be had here.

[itcfish1]

49. Youth Orientated?

Well I am 46, so I guess that leaves me out.

[GreenPoet64]

30. I edit and write. I live in CA but would relocate for such

a cause. Feel free to email.

[latteromden]

9. I would be willing to pitch in if you're going to be needing a website or

something like that.

[saracat]

11. It seems that they are going to have a website soon. I will ask

what help they need. That will be terrific because I will have somewhere to direct people!

[Tace]

10. Saracat -- I'd Like To Fill You In On The World News Trust Project

Perhaps we can collaborate. I'll send you a PM. Cheers.

[roguevalley]

12. I don't know squat but I'm for it.

[DaveinMD]

13. let me know how I can help

I'm a political consultant by trade. I can probably put you in touch with a good fundraiser if the business model is good.

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

14. Saracat, count me in as well.

I don't know a thing about television, but I'm willing to learn.

Seriously, I'll help in any way I can.

[njdemocrat106]

16. I don't anything about the industry

However, this is really an exciting idea, and I really hope it gets off the ground. Down with Faux!

[blondeatlast]

17. I can write and do research. nt

Edit: Edit, too.

I'm pretty good at it, actually.

[GreenPartyVoter]

21. Ditto :^)

[Robbien]

46. I cannot write but am a pretty good researcher

Count me in.

[lawladyprof]

18. Well, Saracat, I have some ideas

One thing that is needed is a compendium of foreign newscasts so people could hear how the news is presented from non-US perspectives (mainstream but non-US). There is CBC, but I think only people near Canada can get it. And there is BBC America but only digital/dish/satellite(?) and some BBC news casting needs to be on basic cable to reach many more viewers, especially many who would benefit from exposure to something other than US mainstream media/sports/shopping network, etc.

One program idea would be to take a given story and assemble a montage of how it is reported by our MSM and foreign news sources. The purpose would be to help Americans learn to see events from different perspectives. Something I believe is sorely needed. Now mind, I am not talking about an al Jezera (spelling? I'd know how to fix if I saw it--LOL) or media sources that can easily be construed as pro America's enemies by a wide segment of the public but London, Tokyo, Berlin, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Mexico City, Toronto, etc.

Another program idea--a drama series on some of the great struggles of progressive/liberal causes. Showing plenty of tear-jerking vignettes/sub plots about the situations that gave rise to reforms. For example, just to pick a subject that is currently in the news--the plight of the elderly that formed the impetus for social security. Another program could focus on the struggle for the forty hour work week, another on workplace safety, another on food safety, another on child labor, another on the regulation of medicines. What I am proposing is to go back to great triumphs of the progressive/liberal movement (some of which are now under attack) and educate (see below about how to make appealing) the public about them and what the progressive movement has done for the ordinary people with the unspoken corollary--"Undo these at your peril." You could have dramatizations intercut with actual video/still photographs with voice-over readings from people's diaries/letters/recollections. You need the dramatizations to make the programs palatable to folks who aren't all that enamored of documentaries. One necessary ingredient would be to make the fictional characters ones the viewer could identify with. You need the power of a good "story"/good stories to hook the viewer and then the "real" (true) stuff to back up the message.


If it were me, I'd be sure to have several programs in this series focus on the Social Gospel movement of the 1890s and 1900s. We need to reclaim religion. In addition, you could dramatize the life of leaders in the progressive/liberal movement, including ministers and lay people in the Social Gospel movement, portraying them as heroic and willing to sacrifice, run risks, struggle against the entrenched special interests of the day.

One purpose besides highlighting the risk of undoing the great twentieth century advances is to rehabilitate the image of progressives/liberals by bringing them to life and showing them as people of courage.

[RollergirlVT]

20. just a thought

Many people are unaware that cable must offer public access channels. Usually you can make appointments to use equipment including cameras, lighting, audio and editing equipment to produce programs for free to be aired on public access channels. If we were to get organized on a national level, different groups in each town could make and plan for programs to be aired in their local area under a nationally identified name, such as PTV for progressive television. It might be an inexpensive way to get your feet wet while you build up experience and membership.

[KittyWampus]

32. I Used To Work Public Access Here In East Hampton, NY. You Know,

if people on DU have videos/documentaries on issues that they'd like aired... I can get them on.

You never know who is watching... and there's lots of tv industry people around here.

[fooj]

23. I e-mailed Matthews and Russert about this issue this morning!

I was flaming hot this morning when the contested election didn't get one minute of coverage. Hopefully, they'll feel some shame. I told them that the American people deserved better and their inability to report events of historic significance shows a serious lack of ethics. We'll see. I won't hold my breath! I teach English Lit/Creative Writing at a local high school and I'm also qualified to teach Speech Communications. If I can be of help in any capacity- please let me know. PEACE!!!!

[steve2470]

24. a proposed meeting place, it's free, just have to register

http://mediadiversity.blogspot.com

[Rockerdem]

25. Visit with technicians from your local TV stations

These folks are fountains of knowledge about the business. Many an indie media company has been founded and staffed by them. Phone your local cafepress - they probably can put you in contact, and can let you know which ones are left-leaning.

[RabidNation]

26. Yes, yes, yes. Absolutely.

I'm a writer & web person w/ 20 yrs experience and a background in audio and video production and print journalism, currently working in advertising/PR. Drop a line if you will: david(at)rabidnation.com.

[AngryAmish]

27. I would love to help

Unfortunately, my skill set is more in the realm of drinking beer and complaining about the Chicago Cubs.

[steve2470]

28. kick nt

[Tinoire]

29. Initial answer is Definitely but just how progressive?

What is its goal? If its a true grass-roots effort, non-DLC affiliated and fighting for Old Dems, I'll help in any capacity I can.

[saracat]

38. Well, They haven't indicated that they will be partisan affiliated in

anyway. I believe what we would like to create is the antithesis to Fox!

[wicket]

31. I have some video editing skills

Would love to help in any way!

[EstimatedProphet]

33. I will happily help out however I can

This is I think a needed idea

[tmooses]

34. A network to balance the propoganda of FOXNews would be a great..

idea. I would be willing to help in any way. My skill levels beyond writing LTTE's is not too advanced, though.

[calimary]

48. My kid says we need a "HOUND" network. I'm interested. I have

broadcast experience.

I'd like to hear more, too - email or PM or whatever.

[ZombieNixon]

35. I don't how I might help,

but don't hesistate to contact me. I've got extensive computer and video editing skills and am wlling to help any way I can.

[AmyStrange]

36. If there is one, put me on the e-mail contact list please...

and any links would be deeply appreciated:

[e-mail]

d

[Selatius]

37. A few questions:

1. Who will determine editorial content?

2. Will it be like a corporation where the board of directors and the CEO decide the direction and content of the organization? Or will it be run in a democratic fashion where each person has a vote?

3. Will it be subsidized by coporations and companies through commercial advertising like other outlets? Or will it be a subscription based service where each member pays a monthly or yearly due for operating expenses?

[saracat]

39. Whoa. I have just gotten involved. This is verry ground floor.

I will post information as soon as I know!

[Tom Rinaldo]

40. Someone has to do this. Several groups even. It is critical

But it is very very expensive also if the model is to compete with FOX. I could probably think of a zillion questions to ask but instead will just wish you good luck, and say that I am among thousands I am sure who potentially would help out is some way if I can. I look forward to getting more reports. I don't expect your effort to become a full blown FOX counterweight overnight, but one has to start somewhere. Thanks for thinking big.

[saracat]

41. Hey I am happy some people are even making a start!

I am grateful they invited me to join. However big or little it is, we need to make the effort! Thanks for the support!

[proudbluestater]

42. There are already channels on satellite, hopefully you're going for cable?

Since there is a dearth of progressive stations there, but plenty of bible thumpers.

[graywarrior]

43. I'm in. Just keep me posted.

[izzybeans]

44. Anyone worried about funding?

Who is being identified as potential investors who would back such a thing? Especially since the ambitions seem to be more than being purely an another indymedia outlet. Groundfloor operations for a network would take some serious capital I'd imagine. I'm sure there is a list that could be made of potential investors who back such things. Grassroots capital development is a great enterprise but it lacks the networking connections that "big" investors bring to the table. Isn't Soros up to something on this front?

[steve2470]

47. kick nt

[ewagner]

50. I'm all in

I have some experience in production.......

Also experience in:

Marketing
Writing
Political organization.


Let me know what you need....I'm in Cardiac rehab for the next two months or so so I have TONS of time on the keyboard available.....

[Atman]

51. Can I do Graphics and/or animation?

I have television experience, voice-over experience, I've directed radio commercials, I've done teevee graphics, lots of top-level stuff for Fortune 50 companies, too. I'd LOVE to be involved!

Check out my site...got a portfolio, bio, cartoons, lots more...

RMcG Creative

[ourbluenation]

52. We already have one - Democracy Now!

Why reinvent the wheel???? I love this channel - every time I catch it I wish everyone in the ol red states had access to it. It needs financial support though to grow. Let your local cable company know you'd love for it to be added to your line up. Here's the link...

http://democracynow.org/

JTT

[Mutley]

53. i can help

i have no money and i live in maryland (cannot relocate at this time). i can write and edit as well. if there is anything i can do let me know.

[dbt]

54. Oh, hell yes!

35 years in radio and TV, I'm bound to know something. If I can just remember where I put it...

:bounce:
dbt

[GOPBasher]

55. Can I have a job with you guys? I'm sick of being a teacher.

I'm not sure what skills I can bring, but I'll be on the right ... errrr.. umm "correct" side of the political fence.

[steve2470]

56. kick nt

[ChiciB1]

57. I'm Down In REPUKE County... Florida

Tell me WHAT TO DO!!! It won't be happening here I KNOW!

[ChiciB1]

58. Where Did This Go???

Someone start a new thread???

[steve2470]

59. kick nt