Media reform is a civil rights issue.

"We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us."

So declared the publishers of Freedom's Journal, the first black newspaper, published in New York City in 1827.

Almost 200 years later, these words ring just as true. People of color, women, and gays and lesbians are still too often marginalized by the mainstream media.

Little of what's seen and heard in the mainstream media is actually produced by diverse communities. And when corporate media do report on issues of race or gender or sexual orientation, they often resort to stereotypical coverage that does little to provide greater understanding of these complex issues.

At Free Press, we believe that if we want the media to change, we have to get involved in the media policies that shape the system.

We’re working to foster public policies that promote greater media diversity. We need laws and rules that encourage ownership diversity; protect the free and open Internet; and allow the public to hold media companies accountable for serving their communities.

The fights for social justice and media reform are closely intertwined. Changing our media system is critical to creating a more inclusive democracy.

Read more about the diversity crisis in media ownership at StopBigMedia.com.

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