In partnership with SFU's school of communication

Media Democracy Days 2013

A forum on privacy in Vancouver

We are living through a crucial time for personal privacy rights. Between ongoing revelations of the NSA’s out of control surveillance system1, Canada’s recent announcement of a highly secretive $1.2 billion online spying facility2, and the possible return of Bill C-30 style snooping legislation this Fall3, the public stands to play a crucial role in how public policy and private interests impact our visibility.

To raise awareness of these issues, Media Democracy Days will kick off our annual conference with a forum focusing on online spying that promises to make you think twice about how you’ve configured your personal privacy settings. Please join us for a screening of the 2013 documentary Terms and Conditions May Apply4 and a talk from Elizabeth Denham, BC’s Information and Privacy Commissioner, on Friday November 8th at The Cinematheque (1131 Howe St.) in downtown Vancouver. The event is generously co-presented with The Cinematheque and DOXA Documentary Film Festival.

Tickets are on sale now! $11 regular admission / $9 for the unwaged. Click here for more information.

Read more

democracyLOUD! An MDD Fundraiser

On November 8 and 9th, we aim to spread our message of media reform, diversity, and democratization to as many people as possible.

But before that happens, we need you to come celebrate with us at our annual fundraiser on October 17th! Let us know you’re coming on Facebook.

The MDD team invites you to join us for our annual fundraising concert Thursday, October 17th, at the Railway Club here in Vancouver. Come out to show support for democratic media and independent music beginning at 8PM. Tickets are $10 at the door, and all proceeds will benefit this year’s Media Democracy Days conference.

For the fifth year in a row, we will feature three exciting local acts, including Brice Tabish, Catlow, and Art Kenyon1. As well, MDD has been blessed with generous backup from our generous co-sponsors at the Railway Club, along with our friends in the fight for better media at CiTR 109.1FM, CJSF 90.1FM, Vancouver Coop Radio 100.5FM and rabble.ca.
Read more

Access denied

Canada’s Freedom of Information regime is “A System in Crisis”.

That’s how Canada’s Information Commissioner recently described1 the structures behind our access to information legislation – systems critical to ensuring citizens can hold their governments accountable.

The Commissioner reports that complaints to her office are up 35 percent since the beginning of 2013, while everyday more and more stories are emerging about institutions not fulfilling their obligations under Canada’s transparency laws.2 Even the New York Times editorial board has criticized our government’s treatment of publically funded scientists and civil servants, who are finding it increasingly difficult to speak to the public, media, or even other scientists about their work.3 These stories are emblematic of a significant shift in Canada’s approach to openness and transparency – a shift that has been quietly taking place over the past few years.

In response, Media Democracy Days 2013 has developed a series of programming focusing on information control. Access to Information, personal privacy, online spying, and much more will be heavily featured at MDD this year.
Read more

Part of a new way forward

#IdleNoMore. Pipelines. Truth and Reconciliation.

We are living through an important time for aboriginal activism, and our media are playing a pivotal role in how we imagine a new way forward. In response, we have created a set of events showcasing aboriginal voices here in Canada that we hope you will join us for on November 8-9.

For a full listing of MDD’s 2013 programming head to www.mediademocracydays2013.ca.

First, the history of aboriginal media in Canada will be explored by our keynote speaker, and one of the founding members of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), Ms. Jennifer David. In her free public talk, titled Original People. Original Television. How APTN Changed the Face of Broadcasting in Canada, Ms. David will chart how the exclusion and censorship of aboriginal voices in Canada’s media system drove the fight to create APTN, and share her insights with those seeking more diverse media in Canada.
Read more

We’re Hiring a Part-Time Assistant Coordinator!

Overview

The Assistant Coordinator is a PAID POSITION primarily responsible for fundraising follow-up, community outreach, student involvement, volunteer coordination, and supervision of the Media Fair Coordinator.

The Assistant Coordinator position requires excellent time management, organizational, and written/oral communication skills and the ability to respond to emails and phone calls in a timely manner. The Assistant Coordinator is a team player that wants to help develop MDD Committee ideas and themes and work closely with the Lead Coordinator in establishing deadlines and expectations.
Read more