Fight The Newsman

Media Tank Turns 5

by Lou Perseghin

Soon a group of protesters dressed as angels descended upon FCC headquarters in D.C. And yes, they had a crystal ball for Powell. Peculiar? Sure. But for Media Tank, Philly's nonprofit media watchdog, it was just another way to promote an equitable media environment. And tonight, MT will celebrate its five-year anniversary.

Co-founded and directed by Coates, the group holds a steadfast place within Philadelphia's media culture. But the upcoming shindig is the only type of party MT represents—since the organization's inception, Coates and company have tried to cast a critical but balanced eye on the media.

"We do a lot of programs that I think are kind of edgy," says Coates. "But we try to frame the events in such a way that the sources are credible, and that we have a thoughtful discussion about the role of media that doesn't end up being a platform for certain sides of the issues."

Longtime public access proponent and MT supporter Bunnie Riedel seconds the idea that the organization exists outside ideological lines. "Media Tank has found no friends in the Democratic Party, not to mention the Republican Party," she says.

"We have a social justice mission," adds Coates, "[but] that doesn't mean we're the media mouthpiece for every issue under the sun."

With a focus on educating the public, MT has become an institutional presence. The goal throughout all MT events is educating people about distortions in the media, and how to become empowered media consumers.

"People don't think about the media other than the fact that they interact with it every day," says Coates. "We thought it would be great if it could link related media together [to] incubate new initiatives."

After a coming-out party for potential allies in June 2001, MT held its first public event, a screening of the film Network, along with a talk by Riedel. "Most people can sustain a fight for two or three years, especially on a local level," says Riedel, "but they don't last beyond that time. They're a premier voice not only for Philadelphia, but also Pennsylvania."

Since that event, MT's presence has expanded. Aside from Riedel, notables like Noam Chomsky and current FCC commissioner Michael J. Copps have spoken at events. But what really separates MT from other watchdog groups are its results: There are discernable outcomes from programming like the FCC protest.

"Later that year, when the FCC announced their ownership proceeding, there were already people that knew each other [from the rally], and could get together a successful campaign to roll back the FCC's media ownership rules," says Coates.

MT's variety of events makes it a leader in the field. Organizations like MoveOn, Common Cause and the Free Press have blossomed in recent years, and all have begun to pick up on the issue-based importance of media thanks to MT's efforts.

"We've played a lead role in that [growth]," says Coates. "Nationally, we've been recognized, and locally we're starting to build our visibility and our programs. There's certainly always more to do, though."

Thu., Sept. 21, 7-10 p.m., $38, Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1906 Rittenhouse Sq., 215-563-1100, www.mediatank.org