Resources

Media

In the absence of diverse and independent media, it is easy for erroneous stories and distorted facts to beome accepted as truth. It took more than a year for the New York Times to aknowlege that its front page stories purporting to offer evidence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq were false. In the meantime, The Times reports were used as a justification for a war that has had devastating consequences for Iraq and has undermined our own security.

We believe a democracy can only function if the public has access to a broad range of information, opinions, and analysis. In the interest of promoting democracy, we have compiled a brief list of some alternative media sources. This list is offered as a starting point for those who are seeking the kind of information not available from the mainstream media. Each of the web sites listed has links to other sites and organizations that may focus more specifically on certain areas of interest and concern.

• Common Dreams New Center at www.commondreams.org
  Self described as a national, non-profit citizens organization working to promote a progressive vision for America. This website reprints articles from a wide range of national, international and alternative publications. In addition, it provides links to just about every imaginable newspaper, journal, magazine, radio station, and news service, both domestic and international.
• Independent Media Institute at www.alternet.org
  An organization dedicated to supporting independent journalism. AlterNet is an online magazine which provides a mix of news, opinion, and investigative journalism.
• WBAI Radio
  Broadcasting at 99.5 FM, WBAI is a progressive, listener sponsored radio station. It bills itself as Peace and Justice radio, and is the New York City member of the Pacifica network. The station offers national as well as local coverage, including Democracy Now at 9:00 am on weekdays. The WBAI website provides calendars of local events, links to other organizations, and archives that can be used to research various issues. You can listen to WBAI programs online even after the initial broadcast time.
• Institute for Public Accuracy at www.accuracy.org
  A national consortium of journalists and policy researchers which seeks to broaden public discourse by providing media access for those whose perspectives are often excluded for the mainstream media.
• Fairness and Accuracy in Media at www.fair.org
  A national media watch group which offers well-documented criticism of media bias and censorship. FAIR works to invigorate the First Amendment by advocating for greater diversity in the press.
• The Daily Mislead at www.misleader.org
  A project of Move On, The Daily Mislead chronicles the way that the Bush administration distorts and misrepresents its record and intentions on nearly every issue. Articles are well referenced, and include a list of source documents at the end.
• www.counterpunch.org This web site offers in depth critique and analysis rather than up to date news.
• www.truthout.org Offers reprinted news articles and analysis from a wide range of publications both national and international, as well as editorial commentary by perople involved with the site.
• The Guardian at www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest A major British newspaper which offers a European perspective on the international situation. Also available at some news stands. Subscriptions available by mail.
• www.unitedforpeace.org
  This is the website of a national coalition of peace and justice groups. They have a link on their site called Occupation Watch which provides comprehensive, up to date information on Iraq.
• NYC IndyMedia at www.nyc.indymedia.org
  Part of a network of collectively-run media outlets which cover a broad range of issues and which seek to promote a vision of a better world. Contains an open publishing forum to which anyone may contribute.

Links in the community

• Community based groups in Western Queens:
  • New Immigrant Community Empowerment located in Jackson Heights
  • Sunnyside/Woodside Peace
  • DRUM; Desis Rising Up and Moving, a community-based social justice organization of working class and poor South Asian immigrants
• City government links
  • NYPIRG district finder a handy reference engine. Find out who your representatives are.
  • The Sate Board of Elections also has a district finder here.
  • The official New York City Council Website