We’ve just finished the first day of OUR Media 6 conference in Sydney. A great deal was presented and discussed by over 150 participants from more than 30 countries. It will take a while to navigate through this mass of information, perspectives and opinions.
One thing we talked about was how to describe the kind of media that is emerging or consolidating in many countries outside the formal power structures and corporate/governmental controls.
Several names are being tossed up:
Community media?
Alternative media?
Tactical media?
Citizen media?
Social movement media?
People’s media?
Whatever label we apply, these media face formidable challenges. John D.H. Downing, Professor of International Communication and Founding Director, Global Media Research Center Southern Illinois University, USA, started off the conference with a wide-ranging, insightful discussion of the key challenges.
His talk was full of ‘nuggets’ of practical wisdom, the kind that some academics never seem to produce or peddle:
Small is not always beautiful.
Community is not necessarily lovely.
Aha! I’m glad these statements were said upfront, because there’s a tendency to romanticise both at gatherings like this.
We’re off to a good start. Watch this space.
Open Minds! 