INDYMEDIA
Indymedia is a collective of more than 100 independent media organisations in the USA, Europe, Asia, South America, the Pacific Region and Africa. Using the web as their publishing tool, each "IMC" (Independent Media Centre) runs its own "open publishing" website. Using a simple web browser, anyone with a story to tell or report to write can submit their article and it will appear immediately on the public website. Images, video and sound clips can also be uploaded.
The local collectives usually set editorial guidelines, as some articles may be hidden, though none are deleted. Groups often edit a headlines column that accompanies the open-access "news-wire". Many IMCs run open-access spaces that provide on-line and media production facilities, and co-ordinate events locally such as screenings, training and discussions. Much of the technological support is in the USA but many collectives host their websites on a local or regional basis. This decentralisation of skills and infrastructure is seen as important for the network and its continuing. The entire system is built and run using free and open source software.
Indymedia is run by volunteers and is not affiliated to any particular organisation. Most people who are actively involved are involved in social justice campaigns or ideas. Indymedia has become recognised as an important source of information for and about political activism and protests.
Indymedia is itself an example of an alternative globalisation, in which cross-border cooperation and exchange is sustained voluntarily, for no financial profit and for the benefit of all individuals and communities who participate.
"Indymedia is a collective of independent media organizations and hundreds of journalists offering grassroots, non-corporate coverage. Indymedia is a democratic media outlet for the creation of radical, accurate, and passionate tellings of truth." Indymedia
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