The Search For Truth

Having just spent days upon days in Memphis, where the topic of media reform drew 3,000 people like moths to a flame, I'm left wondering what's more dangerous: media or media reformists?

One thing the media knows how to do is get your attention.

So, when media reformers want your attention and use media techniques to get it, are they truly reformers? Or, are they as guilty as the media they so adamantly denounce, using the same spin and propaganda methods as Bill O'Reilly to create disinformation and issue distortion?

A topic such as media reform draws activists of all types. The reason is simple: Whatever it is that ails you, it's the media that must be blamed. As witnessed here, in the city that lays claim to birthing the civil rights movement, what's ailing America is a cornucopia of angst, suspicion and distrust. Anyone who's been to the movies in the past few years knows Hollywood has responded to what's on your mind by producing a slew of conspiracy theory films.

According to the literature circulating here in the Memphis convention center, what you're missing from your life is the truth. But, here, on this cold and rainy gray day, you'll find the truth. You'll find the "real truth" behind 9/11 ... the real truth that no one wants you to know. You'll find a plethora of alternative sources for information because, even if you don't know it, you're actually "tired of the mass media's never-ending spins and lies." You'll find help here if you feel the mainstream media ignores you because you're too young, too old, speak English as a second language, are female, gay, ethnic or a free thinker. Should you suffer any combination of the aforementioned afflictions, not to fret. There's help for you multitaskers, too.

Beneath all these subtexts, the real news is media reform is now a hot topic. The controversy over internet neutrality, combined with the recent changes of who's in control in Washington, D.C., has culminated in making media reform the equivalent of the new black for the spring of 2007. Therefore, it should come as no surprise this weekend saw plenty of anti-Bush sentiment and continuous, gleeful bashing of former FCC Commissioner Michael Powell. In between the gluttonous rampage against the media and the government, there were trolley rides, agenda addendums, fried green tomatoes, historic sites like the Piggly Wiggly and the parade of the Peabody Ducks.

Powell, as you may recall, wanted media ownership rules to change so that big media could get bigger. As someone at the FCC nonchalantly explained to me, media in this country is no longer a mom-and-pop-owned operation, so raising the cap shouldn't make a difference. The laissez-faire outlook by the commission, combined with Powell's infinite ability to offend anyone with a brain, resulted in a public outcry by more than 3 million Americans, including the Fair Media Council.

Actually, I think we owe Powell a debt of gratitude. If the public found him even remotely likeable, the media reform movement would not be happening.

Small coalitions are taking shape around the country.

Citizens want to know what they can do.

Celebrities are weighing in on everything from girls not being as visible as boys in films, as Geena Davis does, and George Clooney wouldn't be interested in playing Fred Friendly and producing meaningful works like "Good Night and Good Luck."

All in all, it's a good time to be in the chair I'm in, because things are going to get interesting. I shudder to use the "R" word, with all of its implications and baggage. I prefer "advocacy," since at least it implies something good may come out of whatever efforts are put forth. In the interest of full disclosure, you should know that, within the land of the reformistas, I'm something of a heretic. I actually believe we, as a society, are better off with media than without it. Sure, it's not perfect, but what is? Aren't we better as individuals and a country when we know what's happening on this planet? Haven't we bettered our lot by learning about different cultures and customs, myths and realities?

Now, I can't figure out if such a philosophy puts me so far to the left of the "R" types that they have to turn to their right to find me, or so far to the right they have to look left? Whatever. Actually, I prefer the fringe, anyway. It's worked for me thus far. Apparently, it's the reason for my viewpoint.

It's a viewpoint that was missing in Memphis in January. What's troubling me is how all those reformists failed to notice only one side of a story was being told. It was the most serious case of group think I've ever witnessed. This was not the place for rational discussion. This was the place where we came to worship on the altar that rejects the media as all that's wrong with the world and our lives, and now that we've been absolved of our sins, the gospel choir is paraded out to save our souls in glorious song. This was the uber pep rally, to get the troops ready for whatever becomes the battle du jour. It's rather ironic, all in all, that the stage for this was Memphis, which was once a site of great hope for this country but now is merely a ghost town.