WHO OWNS THE INFORMATION?

EGYPT, JANUARY 27, 2011

Internet and social media communications have been

shut down during recent protests: Egypt, Iran, Libya.

Natural disasters can also shut down radio, TV, and

high-tech media networks.

WQRZ LPFM, SEPT 2005Of the 42 radio stations along the Gulf Coast before Hurricane Katrina, only 4 stayed live during the storm or its aftermath.

2 were small local stations.

Sources: WQRZ, Houston Chronicle

What does a local media network look like?

Local radio advocates put up an antenna for a new small-scale station, Florida, USA

In the US there are about 850 small-scale “Low-Power” FM

stations, and advocates have fought hard to protect them.

Large-Scale Commercial Broadcasters

Low-Power Local Broadcasters

LP-FM stations are gathering-places and organizing-places in their communities.

WGXC-FM studio, Hudson, NY

But US government policies have kept them out of urban centers.

In Jordan, the situation is similar.

Small-scale local broadcasters are becoming

a possibility.

31 Commercial Broadcasters, Jordan

4 Local or Community-run Stations, Jordan

Farah Al-Nas 98.5 FM in East Amman teaches youth technical skills and gives them a voice.