Monitoring the Media

• Where's the line between news and propaganda? Propagandists intentionally spread biased information designed to sway public opinion. In Nazi Germany, the press served as transmitter for government propaganda by disseminating only state-approved news. This example illustrates the danger to a society when propaganda is unchecked and competing messages are silenced. An educated and engaged citizenry is the best defense against propaganda. Explore these links to organizations concerned with media bias and press freedom.

Watchdogs

• Center for Media and Democracy

  A nonprofit, nonpartisan, public interest organization that strengthens participatory democracy by investigating and exposing public relations spin and propaganda, and by promoting media literacy and citizen journalism.

  http://www.prwatch.org
• Annenberg Political Fact Check

  A nonpartisan, nonprofit, "consumer advocate" for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics. Monitors the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews, and news releases.

  http://www.factcheck.org/
• Center for Media and Democracy: Propaganda Sources

  Excellent list of techniques and links. Articles and events relating to media literacy, propaganda, and media neutrality are updated constantly, from the Center for Media and Democracy.

  http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Propaganda_techniques
• The Nieman Foundation for Journalism

  The Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University aims to give journalists access to experts at Harvard and at other campuses across the country. NiemanWatchdog.org will also seek out the expertise of authorities in the professions, activist groups, politics, commerce and government – perceptive thinkers who are experienced in and care about public affairs. Through NiemanWatchdog.org, these authorities will suggest questions, provide background on topics in the news, and will supplement their knowledge with a Web log, links to other informative Web sites and additional resources.

  http://www.niemanwatchdog.org/
• On the Media (WNYC, NPR)

  Explores how the media world is constructed, casts an incisive eye on fluctuations in the marketplace of ideas, and examines threats to the freedom of information and expression in America and abroad. Web site of NPR program monitoring news media.

  http://www.wnyc.org/onthemedia/

First Amendment Focus

• The Freedom Forum

  Nonpartisan foundation dedicated to free press, free speech, and free spirit for all people. Site combines programs, resources, and media watchdog functions.

  http://www.freedomforum.org/
• National Coalition against Censorship

  Produced by an alliance of 50 national non-profit organizations, including literary, artistic, religious, educational, professional, labor, and civil liberties groups, this site educates the public at large about the dangers of censorship and how to oppose them.

  http://www.ncac.or

Other

• Pew Research Center for the People and the Press

  An independent opinion research group that studies attitudes toward the press, politics, and public policy issues. It is best known for regular national surveys that measure public attentiveness to major news stories, and for polling that charts trends in values and fundamental political and social attitudes.

  http://people-press.org

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