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04/05/2021

An exploration of media, misinformation and conspiracy in the year of the pandemic.

The last few years have seen the emergence of a plethora of new terms, like ‘fake news’ and ‘alternative facts’, alongside a perceived rise in disinformation and misinformation. During the pandemic large numbers of people have become convinced that the state and the media are misinforming the public about key public health and human rights issues, from the vaccine to police violence to public protests.

Increasingly it feels impossible to be certain of the truth in what we read, listen to or watch in the media.

How, as a society, can we unpick this? What solutions should we be advocating for and what are the consequences of such a distrust of the fourth estate?

This live stream panel event brings together media experts, journalists, academics and commentators including Kerry Anne Mendoza, Editor in at large of the Canary, Bywire News founder Michael O'Sullivan and Declassified UK co-founder and investigative journalist Matt Kennard.

Join us to discuss the problems we face - and the potential for new solutions in response.

SPEAKER
Kerry-anne Mendoza
Kerry-anne is Editor-in-Chief of The Canary. She is known for creating one of the UK’s top independent political blogs (Scriptonite Daily), for authoring the best-seller 'Austerity', and for her Middle East reporting (notably Operation Protective Edge from Gaza through the Summer of 2014). Her passions are politics, economics and current affairs, which she examines with the basic question: “How do we build a world that works for everyone?” She is based in Bristol, UK.

SPEAKER
Matt Kennard
Matt Kennard is an investigative journalist and co-founder of Declassified UK, a news outlet covering British national security issues. He worked as a staff writer for the Financial Times in the US and UK and is the author of two books, Irregular Army (2012), which investigated the degradation of the US military during the War on Terror and The Racket (2015), which investigated how the US rigs the global economy for the benefit of its elite.

https://festivalofdebate.com/2021/who-owns-the-truth-and-is-it-true

SPEAKER
Michael O'Sullivan

08/03/2021

Just a light hearted memo from our favourite leader of the opposition ❤️

08/03/2021

The IMA exists! And we're here to chat about what initiatives we're undertaking and what we're here to do.

08/03/2021

"The owner of Britain's Daily Mail newspaper acquired science and technology magazine New Scientist for £70m in cash, as it looks to build out its subscriptions and digital offerings."

What could be the reason behind this? Taking over ?

https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/companies/2021-03-03-british-media-company-snaps-up-new-scientist-magazine-for-70m-in-cash/

The 65-year-old scientific title is expected to post £7m profit in 2021

08/03/2021

Check out this interesting piece, 'Nothing Is More Threatening to the Than a Black Woman in Control of Her Story'

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/politics/a35727663/meghan-markle-british-media-racism/

The obsession with Meghan Markle is a reminder that media outlets anywhere save their most antagonistic portrayals for women everywhere, often punishing those who attempt to own their narratives.

08/03/2021

"British Prime Minister ’s government is facing criticism for spending 2.6 million pounds ($3.6 million) to renovate part of a government building for televised media briefings that have yet to take place."

https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/UK-govt-slammed-over-pricey-renovations-for-media-16003341.php

LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government is facing criticism...

08/03/2021

SWIPE: Check out this post by our partner , ' Is Bailing Out HIMSELF'

Head over to their profile for more of their work.

07/03/2021

'British media's rumor spreading blinds the public eyes: Chinese FM'

Do you agree?

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202102/1215949.shtml

07/03/2021

Check out this piece by New Statesman, 'Four men own Britain’s news . Is that a problem for ?'

"The power of private owners has long been debated in British society, and – even after a decade of digital disruption – remains controversial"

https://www.newstatesman.com/2021/02/four-men-own-britain-s-news-media-problem-democracy

In March 1931, a few days before a by-election, Stanley Baldwin – the then leader of the opposition – gave a speech at the Queen’s Hall in London in which he lambasted the country’s biggest newspapers for their attacks on him, calling them “engines of propaganda for the constantly changing...

06/03/2021

Article of the day: 'Festival of Debate puts call out for events' - Now Then

" -based festival of politics and activism returns for digital-led programme and is asking people and organisations to submit their event proposals."

https://nowthenmagazine.com/articles/festival-of-debate-puts-call-out-for-events

Sheffield-based festival of politics and activism returns for digital-led programme and is asking people and organisations to submit their event proposals.

06/03/2021

The treatment of the is simply unethical. While billions worth of tax payer money has been thrown at crony government contracts, our receive a measly 1% pay rise.

06/03/2021

"ANDREW NEIL has insisted he will not watch and 's interview with which is set to air on CBS on Sunday."

In other words is yet again sharing his opinion where its not welcome.

https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1404873/Andrew-Neil-refuse-Prince-Harry-Meghan-Markle-Oprah-interview

ANDREW NEIL has insisted he will not watch Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's interview with Oprah Winfrey which is set to air on CBS on Sunday.

06/03/2021

Less than 10 days to go until the start of the '2021 Media Festival' by Media Reform UK

"a week-long celebration of voices and analysis of why our current system is not fit for purpose."

https://www.mediareform.org.uk/blog/media-democracy-festival-2021

We’re thrilled to announce the schedule for our forthcoming Media Democracy Festival, a week-long celebration of independent media voices and analysis of why our current media system is not fit for purpose. We kick off with a keynote and Q&A from former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn on ‘A Fr...

05/03/2021

Check out our latest blog post, 'The State of It (UK Media)' by our own chair Thomas Barlow (Thomas Barlow)

"Three key appointments in recent times have shown the to be more of a state broadcaster than ever before."

https://www.ima.press/post/the-state-of-it-uk-mainstream-media

Three recent key appointments in the UK mainstream media have shown the BBC to be more of a state broadcaster than ever before. The BBC represents the majority of broadcast news in the UK. Some estimates put it at 70%. It also has a reputation globally for quality and scope.

05/03/2021

Explains why the government also plans to cut payments.Yet again, self gain!

05/03/2021

Piece of the day: 'Interview with Ibrahim Handal, director of 2001' - Mydylarama

https://www.mydylarama.org.uk/Interview-with-Ibrahim-Handal-director-of-Bethlehem-2001

Why did you choose to revisit this – I presume traumatic – event as a short film? Actually, I am still trying to understand what I have done and (...)

05/03/2021

We have launched our very own monthly , 'IMA Talks' to discuss the work of and the overall state of !

Our first episode featuring IMA chair Thomas Barlow is out now.

You can expect a new episode every month.

Please share!

https://anchor.fm/imatalks

A monthly podcast discussing the state of the media in the UK, and celebrating the work of independent media. Enjoy listening to some of the top journalists, critics and media experts discuss British media, both the good and the bad.

05/03/2021

The Canary - "The last few months has seen a narrative from outlets about “ hesitancy”. However, a new survey from the adds more colour to this picture."

https://www.thecanary.co/investigation/2021/02/27/mainstream-media-says-theres-bame-vaccine-hesitancy-but-the-experts-tell-a-different-story/

"...we are still seeing the term "vaccine hesitancy" being applied almost exclusively to ethnic minorities which creates stigma and risks disengagement"

05/03/2021

Matt Kennard from speaking on the British ’s maltreatment of as a distraction tactic.

Let us know if you agree in the comments below.

05/03/2021

'Moscow says UK secretly finances to weaken '

What are your thoughts?

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/moscow-says-uk-secretly-finances-media-to-weaken-russia/2158275

Country asks London to explain leaked papers, claims UK Foreign Office secretly finances media to 'change regime' in Russia - Anadolu Agency

04/03/2021

Piece of the day: 'The Northern Independence Party (feat. Philip Proudfoot)' - Mandatory Redistribution Party

https://mandatoryredistributionparty.podbean.com/e/nip-draft/

Jack talks to Philip Proudfoot founder of the Northern Independence Party, the new democratic socialist party founded in 2020 to fight the iniquities of the north/south divide, pointing a gravy-soaked finger at the South and saying “no, YOU’RE England.” --...

04/03/2021

The first episode of our new , 'IMA Talks' with is out now!

In this episode, we talk about why the IMA exists by looking at the state of the media and what we can do about it.

New episode every month!

https://anchor.fm/independent-media-association/episodes/IMA-Talks-Ep--1-Discussing-the-State-of-the-UK-Media-with-Thomas-Barlow-erhfl4

What better way to launch our podcast than with an explainer episode on the Independent Media Association and what we're all about. We are joined by Thomas Barlow, the current chair of the IMA, a representative organisation for all UK independent media. In this episode, Thomas not only reinforces th...

04/03/2021

Great read by our partner, The Ferret - "Supporters of a group recruiting in include neo-Nazis and former members of the British National Party and , we can reveal."

https://theferret.scot/exposed-inside-far-right-patriotic-alternative/

Supporters of a far right group called Patriotic Alternative include neo-Nazis and former members of the British National Party and Scottish Defence League

04/03/2021

' put pressure on to use his budget to support UK journalism' - NUJ

Journalism is crucial to the running of our democracy, thus supporting the industry is imperative.

https://www.ima.press/post/nuj-put-pressure-on-rishi-sunak-to-use-his-budget-to-support-uk-journalism

Recently the media industry has been subject to emotional turmoil. While Facebook launched an attack on media outlets, the NUJ has demanded that Chancellor Rishi Sunak allocates a portion of his budget to revitalise the journalism sector. In a recent report, the National Union of Journalists has cal...

04/03/2021

' put pressure on to use his budget to support UK journalism'

"Recently the media industry has been subject to emotional turmoil. While launched an attack on media outlets, the NUJ has demanded that Chancellor Rishi allocates a portion of his budget to revitalise the journalism sector."

https://www.ima.press/post/nuj-put-pressure-on-rishi-sunak-to-use-his-budget-to-support-uk-journalism

Recently the media industry has been subject to emotional turmoil. While Facebook launched an attack on media outlets, the NUJ has demanded that Chancellor Rishi Sunak allocates a portion of his budget to revitalise the journalism sector. In a recent report, the National Union of Journalists has cal...

03/03/2021

doing a better job at producing a than

Let us know your thoughts on the in the comments!

03/03/2021

Piece of the day: ' strike against insulting pay offer' - Reel News

https://reelnews.co.uk/2021/02/23/all-reelnews-campaigns/workplace-struggles/bus-drivers-strike-against-insulting-pay-offer/

03/03/2021

"As a new report exposes the billions of pounds invested in by UK local government funds,"

Check out this piece New Internationalist, 'WHAT KIND OF WORLD DO WE WANT TO RETIRE INTO?'

https://newint.org/features/2021/02/25/what-kind-world-do-we-want-retire

03/03/2021

"Exclusive: is linked to firm accused of building ‘ghettoes for the vulnerable’"

Yet more corruption in relation to the . What are your thoughts?

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2021/feb/25/new-bbc-chair-richard-sharp-managed-firm-roundshield-caridon?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Exclusive: Richard Sharp is linked to firm accused of building ‘ghettoes for the vulnerable’

03/03/2021

Check out our statement on the recent scandal, 'Deep concern over Facebook developments'

https://www.ima.press/post/facebook-regulation

The board of the newly formed Independent Media Association (IMA) is deeply concerned by Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg’s statement that he intends to further “reduce the amount of political content” in Facebook’s feed. This comes only days after Facebook launched its new news section in the ...

02/03/2021

Union News - "Almost a third of members surveyed during February’s + History month said they had experienced , harassment, ill-treatment or discrimination at work as a result of their sexuality or gender identity."

https://www.union-news.co.uk/a-third-of-lgbt-nuj-members-have-experienced-bullying-at-work/

Almost a third of NUJ members surveyed during February’s LGBT+ History month said they had experienced bullying, harassment, ill-treatment or discrimination at work as a result of their sexuality o…

02/03/2021

Piece of the day: ' #111 Why the Luddites were right (part 2) w/ Gavin Mueller' - Politics Theory Other

What is your favourite podcast? Do you have any recommendations for us?

https://soundcloud.com/poltheoryother/111-why-the-luddites-were-right-part-2-w-gavin-mueller

Gavin Mueller joins PTO for part two of our conversation on his new book, 'Breaking Things at Work: The Luddites were Right About Why You Hate Your Job'. We talked about Taylorism and the deskilling o

02/03/2021

Interested in ? Why not head over to our blog for frequent updates on what is happening in the industry.

https://www.ima.press/news

A monthly livestream panel show, featuring the best from our partners. Partners will come on to discuss their chosen pieces.

02/03/2021

Check out this great piece by Press Gazette, ' extradition: Freedom of British to expose US state secrets is at stake'

"why the Julian extradition appeal has huge implications for in the UK."

https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/julian-assange-extradition-appeal/