Preso Materials

1. Value Statement

We believe current ownership patterns in our media do not allow for the accurate representation of many issues and this affects our ability to be well-informed citizens capable of forming rational opinions.

2. Goal

To create awareness among PSU students about the current patterns of media ownership and how they are affected by these patterns.

3. How
A. Poster/Flyer/Tabling campaign





B. Formed SCURG (Students of Communication Undergraduate Research Group)

C. SALP sanctioned posting sites

D. Posting on PSU Campus Announcement/Webmail Page

E. Vanguard Community Forum

4. Copy for the back side of tabling materials

The Problem:
All media outlets in this country are owned by 6 major corporations. You know Big Business? This is them. This is "The Man" that we like to say we are fighting. That means that your most trustworthy news source (since we know you consider yourself "well-informed"), your favorite CD, your Facebook page (since MySpace is so last year), the newspaper that you probably don't read anymore, and the latest box-office hit probably all came from the same place.

What difference does it make?
Although it is hard to remember, we live in a Democracy. This means that everyone ought to have their own, unique opinions and beliefs represented. But there is a problem. We form our opinions based on what we hear. That's right, what you read, what you see on the news, and what you hear from friends--what forms YOUR opinions on the issues that affect YOUR life--are all derived from what is presented by the media. So how do we get fair and balanced information about these issues? If you even care enough, you visit multiple sources that offer different perspectives and then form an opinon, right? Well, if these different sources are all owned by the same people (Big Business here again if you didn't follow), then are you really getting a feel for the complexity of the issue? Doubtful. Bottom line, these patterns of ownership interfere with your ability to be a well-informed citizen. They interfere with your ability to form your own opinions.
They interfere with Democracy. The "Big Six" is playing puppeteer with our minds. Cut the strings.

If you still don't believe us, see for yourself.
**links to our blog and other relevant information sites**

5. From here forward
A. Finalize/shorten copy materials
B. Decide on SALP posting locations
C. Have campaign up and running by midweek