Media, Tech and Political Luminaries to Converge in Denver at National Conference for Media Reform
DENVER — On Wednesday, Free Press unveiled the full program for April’s National Conference for Media Reform — the nation’s biggest conference devoted to media, technology and democracy. Thousands of activists, media makers, journalists, policymakers, technologists and artists will travel to Denver on April 5–7 for three days of inspiring speeches, performances — and 60 sessions featuring more than 350 presenters.
The conference explores topics including Internet freedom, technology and innovation; culture and media making; and social justice and the fight for media equality. The many notable sessions include "From Billionaires to Big Media: Democracy Up for Grabs"; "Are Geeks the New Guardians of Our Civil Liberties?"; "Covering Race in the Time of Obama"; and "Liberating Cable's Captive Audience."
To view the full program, go to: http://conference.freepress.net
The growing list of presenters includes Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock; actresses Melissa Fitzgerald and Evangeline Lilly; former Federal Communications Commissioner Michael Copps; former White House technology adviser and author Susan Crawford; artists Staceyann Chin, An Xiao Mina and Favianna Rodriguez; "Little Rock Nine" member and civil rights activist Carlotta Walls LaNier; Democracy Now! co-hosts Amy Goodman and Juan González; journalists Eric Deggans, David Sirota and Dave Zirin; Upworthy founder Eli Pariser; NARAL Pro-Choice America President Ilyse Hogue; and Free Press co-founders Robert W. McChesney and John Nichols.
Grammy-nominated producer and Public Enemy beatmaker Hank Shocklee headlines a list of top musical guests including Denver musicians Shawn King of DeVotchKa, Jonny 5 and Brer Rabbit of the Flobots, and Kitty Crimes. The conference will conclude with a comedy showcase featuring Janine Brito, Jamie Kilstein, Hari Kondabolu and other special guests.
For a full list of presenters, go to: http://conference.freepress.net/presenters
The conference will also include a film festival featuring Sundance winners Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry and Middle of Nowhere, book signings, parties and a dynamic public square with art galleries, poetry readings, a tech and media playground — even an old-school soapbox.
Press credentials for the National Conference for Media Reform are available to members of the media who will be covering the event. Request press credentials by filling out the online application: http://conference.freepress.net/press.
Many conference presenters, media policy experts and event planners are also available for interviews in advance of the conference. To schedule an interview, contact Jenn Ettinger at press@freepress.net.
