This may be the replacement for NWI-TV I’ve hoped for. And more.
The Problem
Serious news and full-spectrum debate — on which democracy depends — are disappearing from television. Across the globe, news media are concentrated in the hands of a few entertainment conglomerates whose interests determine news coverage. They promote superficial “infotainment” over tough investigation, context and holding authority accountable. Public broadcasters face shrinking budgets and growing political and commercial pressures.
The Solution
We need a news and current affairs network that defends the public interest and the highest standards of journalism. Independent World Television will be such a network, a non-profit broadcast service financed by viewers across the globe — independent of corporate or government funding and commercial advertising.
Reading their prospectus in detail, I’m hopeful. Since they have an operating partnership with LinkTV, I should be able to receive their programming on DirecTV if and when it starts.
I’d suggest that folks take a look at their projected programming mix — and a couple of their videos; since, after all, this is to be a TV-centric operation. They have the Walkley Prize-winner, “Unimbedded in Afghanistan”, and a couple of interviews online.
“..on which democracy depends..”
Just to inform you, America is a republic, not a democracy.
Bill who?
I don’t see this being any more useful than the combination of:
1. BBC World News (on BBC America if you get it — PBS if you don’t)
2. NPR
3. Online newspaper of your choice.
Who needs news 24/7 anyway?
Allow me to sum up the bitching from both sides:
Reading their prospectus in detail, I’m hopeful. Since they have an operating partnership with LinkTV, I should be able to receive their programming on DirecTV if and when it starts.
Too bad that DirecTV is owned by Uncle Rupert, who also owns Fox News.
Independent World Television will be such a network, a non-profit broadcast service financed by viewers across the globe — independent of corporate or government funding and commercial advertising.
Too bad that virtually the same system exists with PBS, and it has a liberal slant.
C’mon. Let’s go back to laughing at Engrish.com. Arguing about politics is so 1998 of you.
James Hill
I hope such a news channel like this can get off and running. Since NWI went off the air, a void was left. You are right as well a few media conglomerates are taking over the air waves and they all have a toll the line don’t ask tough question mentality.
Message to Patrick Weber …
Yes, the USA is republic. We got that.
We elect our leaders democratically. And in the case of many states, also choose at least some of our new laws and taxes democratically, via the initiative process. You got that, right?
Anyhow this kind of sniping avoids the issue. Good reporting is the foundation of good voting and good leadership. Or do you feel otherwise?
You might be interested in my interview with Paul Jay, chair of IWT, posted on New Year’s Day, 2007: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/1/1/154535/3760