In your article on the state of our national progressive media (MediaFile, Jan/Feb 2001), Don Hazen is quoted as saying that there is currently no progressive television network operating in the United States.

Happily, Mr. Hazen is wrong.

I wanted to let you know about Free Speech TV (FSTV), in case you weren't already aware of our work. Given the difficulties involved in finding truly non-corporate outlets for information, I think your readership could benefit by checking out what we do.

FSTV began in 1995 as an evolution of the progressive cable television network, "The 90's Channel," which was effectively silenced by cable giant TCI before they themselves were swallowed by AT&T. Until May of 2000, FSTV distributed four hours of progressive programming each week to some 50 cities across the U.S., reaching seven million households.

In May of this past year, FSTV achieved a landmark objective by launching its very own channel on Echostar's DISH Network (Channel 9415), becoming the nation's first full-time television network dedicated to advancing progressive social change. This year, FSTV's full-time schedule will be made available for re-transmission to community cable outlets, expanding our reach to upward of 10 million homes. In fact, anyone who wants access to hard-hitting, fearless programming on corporate globalization, GLBT communities, the environment, indigenous rights, the prison-industrial complex, and more, can switch off their cable service and get a free dish and receiver via our web site: http://www.freespeech.org.

Eric Galatas, FSTV Program Manager

[As submitted]

In your article on the state of our National Progressive Media (Media
File; Jan/Feb), Don Hazen is quoted as saying that there is currently no
progressive television network operating in the U.S.

Happily, Mr. Hazen is wrong.

I wanted to let you know about Free Speech TV (FSTV), in case you weren't
already aware of our work. Given the difficulties involved in finding
truly non-corporate outlets for information, I think your readership
could benefit by checking out what we do.

FSTV began in 1995 as an evolution of the progressive cable television
network "The 90's Channel," effectively silenced by cable giant TCI,
before they themselves were swallowed by AT&T. Until May of 2000, FSTV
distributed 4 hours of progressive programming each week to some 50
cities
across the U.S., reaching 7 million households.

In May of this past year, FSTV achieved a landmark objective by launching
its very own channel on Echostar's DISH Network (Channel 9415), becoming
the nation's first full-time television network dedicated to advancing
progressive social change. This year, FSTV's full time schedule will be
made available for re-transmission to community cable outlets, expanding
our reach to upward of 10 million homes. In fact, anyone who wants
access
to hard-hitting, fearless programming on corporate globalization, GLBT
communities, the environment, indigenous rights, the prison-industrial
complex, and more, can switch off their cable service and get a free dish
and receiver via our web site: http://www.freespeech.org.

Like many independent media makers and organizations, FSTV has played a
committed and collaborative role in developing Independent Media Centers,
also covered in the recent issue of Media File. The revolutionary web
site, www.indymedia.org, owes its logo and newswire template to a version
initially designed by one FSTV staffer. More critically, the
self-publishing code was first developed out of the web offices at FSTV,
by then FSTV webmaster Manse Jacobi and visiting genius "geek" Matthew
Arnison, of www.cat.org.au fame.

At Seattle and DC demonstrations, FSTV helped coordinate satellite
uplinks of the IMC television productions "Showdown in Seattle" and "Breaking the
Bank." At this summer's presidential conventions, FSTV helped uplink 35
hours of historic live television coverage produced at IMCs in Philly and
LA, reaching some 30 million homes via cable, satellite, community radio
and the internet. This multi-media coverage marked several firsts, most
significantly, live uncensored telecasts directly from the streets,
instead of inside the corporate info-mercial conventions. Another achievement
was the unprecedented collaborative experiment that brought together
organizations like Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting, Project Censored,
Democracy Now, Radio For Change, Deep Dish TV, over a hundred individuals
and organizations in all. It was truly a "Media Democracy Direct
Action," not perfect in execution mind you, but certainly with lessons to share in
the spirit of your article challenging the effectiveness and
collaborative strength of independent progressive media. (In fact a member, of the
Media Alliance, helped direct publicity and outreach efforts, a
responsibility she coordinated for the Independent Media Center organized
for IMF/World Bank demonstrations in Washington DC. I worked with her
directly in both incidences.)

Please let me know if you would like more information about what FSTV is
up to. FSTV has long been a supporter of the important work the Media
Alliance is doing in the Bay Area, and if there is any way that we can
strengthen our relationship, and continue the discussion for building the
most effective progressive media possible, we are more than eager to do
so.


Sincerely yours,


Eric Galatas
FSTV Program Manager
IMC Satellite TV Team Volunteer