2013 National Conference for Media Reform Kicks Off in Denver

DENVER — On Friday, thousands will converge in Denver to kick off the National Conference for Media Reform, the largest event of its kind devoted to media, technology and democracy. Thousands more will join in via satellite TV, social media and the Web.

The three-day event, organized and hosted by Free Press, will bring together activists, advocates, artists, media makers, journalists, policymakers and technologists for inspiring speeches, performances — and nearly 80 interactive sessions on topics ranging from women in technology to pop culture critiques to coverage of war and human rights.

“The National Conference for Media Reform is a one-of-a-kind event,” said Craig Aaron, president and CEO of Free Press. “We’re bringing together people from all 50 states and around the globe and bridging the worlds of culture, journalism, technology, politics and activism. For anyone who wants to join the fight for better media, Denver is the place to be this weekend.”

Founded in 2003, Free Press has held previous conferences in Boston, Madison, Wis., Memphis, Minneapolis and St. Louis.

“Over the past decade, we’ve seen remarkable growth in, awareness of and activism around media and technology issues,” Aaron said. “Millions have demanded a say in who owns the media, what kind of information their communities need, and what the future of the Internet should look like. As we celebrate those victories, we’ll also strategize and mobilize for the challenges in Washington, around the country, and across the world.”

The National Conference for Media Reform will feature more than 350 presenters, including Hollywood stars Evangeline Lilly and Melissa Fitzgerald; Democracy Now! co-hosts Amy Goodman and Juan González; former FCC Commissioner Michael Copps; former White House technology adviser Susan Crawford; Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock; musicians Hank Shocklee of Public Enemy, Kimya Dawson of the Moldy Peaches, Shawn King of DeVotchKa, and Jonny 5 and Brer Rabbit of the Flobots; comedians Janine Brito, Jamie Kilstein and Hari Kondabolu; artists Staceyann Chin, An Xiao Mina and Favianna Rodriguez; best-selling author and TV commentator David Sirota; Upworthy co-founder Eli Pariser; NARAL Pro-Choice America President Ilyse Hogue; Free Press co-founders Robert W. McChesney and John Nichols — and many, many more.

For a full list of presenters, go to conference.freepress.net/presenters

To view the full program and schedule, go to conference.freepress.net

The conference also features a film festival, live musical performances, poetry readings, art exhibits, book signings, hands-on workshops and how-to trainings.

Nearly 2,000 people are expected to attend the event. Tickets are still available on site at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, located at 1550 Court Place.

Those who can’t make the trip to Denver can view live coverage of selected sessions online at conference.freepress.net. The livestream will also feature interviews with various conference speakers.

In addition, Free Speech TV will be airing conference coverage and exclusive interviews on its satellite network, located on DISH channel 9415 and DirecTV channel 348.

Social media users can follow the conference on Facebook and Twitter and join in the conversation using #NCMR13.

Press credentials are available to members of the media who will be covering the event. You may request press credentials by contacting Free Press Media Manager Jenn Ettinger at jettinger@freepress.net.

Many conference presenters, media policy experts and event organizers are also available for interviews in advance of the conference. To schedule an interview, contact Jenn Ettinger at jettinger@freepress.net.