"Freedom of The Press belongs solely to those that own the printing press."
A. J. Leibling
As generally understood, propaganda is opinion expressed for the purpose of influencing actions of individuals or groups . . . The propagandist seldom wants careful scrutiny and criticism; his object is to bring about a specific action."
Alfred McLung Lee & Elizabeth Bryant Lee,
The Fine Art of Propaganda, 1939.
The twentieth century has been characterized by three
developments of great political importance: the growth of democracy, the growth of corporate power, and the growth of corporate propaganda as a means of protecting corporate power against democracy.
"Taking the Risk Out of Democracy: Propaganda in the U.S. and
Australia", by Alex Carey, 1995, Univ. of New South Wales Press.i>
Remember the above quotes on propaganda when you are reading your newspaper or watching/listening to broadcast media. It is our responsibility to cast a critical eye upon our information sources. We must always remember who is in control of what we see and hear through our media. An example: Burson-Marsteller is a multi-national public relations company which specializes in "perception management". They market themselves as "Practice specialists in public affairs, government relations, crisis communications, investor relations, environmental issues and marketing communications who are experienced at orchestrating effective campaigns which motivate the right behaviors" and "Media relations experts who know how to generate coverage that delivers the right strategic message." Burson-Marsteller is hired by governments and corporations to "manage your perception". Manage your own perception. Don't let any PR firms do it for you.
Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting
The Real News Page
A critique of commercial media and call for media reform.
The Consortium for Independent Journalism
Institute for Alternative Jounalism
Free Speech Internet Television
The MoJo Wire - Mother Jones Interactive
Center for Media and Democracy