Media Justice

Our current media landscape can best be described in one word: consolidation. Fewer than seven companies own 90 percent of the media we consume. And who owns it? Event though people of color make up 36 percent of the populations, they hold just over seven percent of radio licenses and three percent of TV licenses. Women are 51 percent of the population and hold only 6 percent of all radio and TV licenses. Those who control the media, control the content - both who participates and how communities are represented.

The media justice program goal is to transform our communications systems through training, organizing and advocacy. We prioritize leadership development in communities whose experiences and values aren't reflected in the media. This leadership builds power to change the visible and structural institution of our communications system.

What we're working on

• Twin Cities Community Radio
  This collaboration of organizations and many individuals aims to transform the diverse Twin Cities neighborhoods of Phillips and Frogtown by working together to launch low-power FM community radio stations - so that their stories, cultures and shared community priorities can be told in their own voices. Main Street Project is the project facilitator.

• MAG-Net (Media Action Grassroots Network)
  Main Street Project is regional anchor for MAG-Net, a local-to-local advocacy network of grassroots community organizations working together for media change to end poverty, eliminate racism, and ensure human rights. View Minnesota MAG-Net organizations.

• Media Justice Policy
  We're collaborating with other organizations make sure that under-represented voices are heard as policy decisions are made about today's communications challenges and opportunities.
  
  As part of a national Campaign for Prison Phone Justice, we’re working to challenge the current system of prison phone call kickbacks that result in exorbitant rates for incarcerated individuals and their families.

  Main Street Project is part of the Rural Broadband Policy Group, and a coalition member of Black Voices for Internet Freedom and Latinos for Internet Freedom.

• Phillips Neighborhood Mural Project
  For the last two summers, we’ve worked with youth from the community to develop communications and media production skills to tell the story of this project; in collaboration with Waite House and Hope Community. View photos at the project’s Facebook page.