Why us?
Why are journalists' organisations supporting this database? Aren't journalists part
of "the media"? Yes, up to a point. But we are also some of the most
intensive users of the media. And we are directly confronted with the effects of concentrated media ownership every working day. We believe we have a common interest with the public - or many publics, anyway - in documenting and challenging that concentration.
Part of that interest is, to be honest, financial. The more concentrated media ownership is, the easier it is for the owners to set the terms and conditions under which we work.
Another part is a matter of the broadest public concern. Around the world, media
corporations are trying to gain outright ownership and control of the "information" which makes up news and published culture. This goes against the spirit of international law, which defines an unbreakable link between a piece of work and its creator (see the IFJ Authors' Rights for All section). In this view, individuals take responsibility for their work, and have rights to defend it against distortion.
"Trust us, we're journalists."
But how do you feel about living in a world where Rupert Murdoch and Bill Gates own the first draft of history outright - with the right to change it?
And you?
Extending, updating and maintaining a database of the globalised network of media ownership looks like an obvious task for a global network of media ownership monitors. Might you be prepared to "adopt" an owner?
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