Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

Indymedia describes itself as “a network of collectively run media outlets for the creation of radical, accurate, and passionate tellings of the truth” ( www.indymedia.org ). It is made up of a network of over 150 local Indymedia Collectives (IMCs) around the world who publish and broadcast independent news and opinion. They largely do this through a series of local websites that allow members of the public to post news stories. The website of each IMC consists of an open newswire where articles posted by the public appear, a features section which picks out major stories, and a links section which includes connections to other IMCs and campaigns. IMCs also frequently engage in mobilizations for large protests or meetings. During these mobilizations, they often aim to provide a way activist groups can represent their own perspective on the events. IMCs often also run events such as film screenings, dance parties, and discussion groups. Finally, some collectives have sought to branch out into the distribution of other media such as print, radio, and film. Indymedia has a number of important precursors. Many of the activists involved in establishing the early IMCs were inspired by the Zapatista movement in Chiapas, Mexico. The Zapatistas' use of the Internet to distribute communiqués from their figure head, Subcommandante Marcos , was seen as an important model for Indymedia. IMCs ... log in or subscribe to read full text