Media reform is central to protecting democracy. This issue affects everyone.

We agree with Bill Moyers when he says, “Secrecy is the freedom tyrants dream of.” In general, we’re interested in organizations working toward media reform, replacing secrecy and corporate control with access, independence and accuracy. Our 2010 funding is reserved for organizations working in independent media and toward U.S. policies representing true media reform. We will not be accepting 2010 Letters of Inquiry in this area.

Goals:

  • People can base their opinions on reliable access and information from an open and diverse media, including news coverage of relevant local topics
  • Truthful analysis and full bias disclosure are conditions of access to public airwaves for professionals
  • No one can influence or suppress the media

Core approaches and concerns:

  • Support investigative journalism
  • Promote policies to make and keep the internet neutral
  • Address media policy with a strong eye toward racial and economic justice, independent and young journalists, and civic engagement

How we pursue our work:

  • Support free and independent media as information presenters, not opinion makers
  • Oppose media consolidation and corporate control
  • Promote government policies that establish and protect a public media commons
  • Influence funders to include media reform in their priorities