April 23 2001

Dear Editor,

We write in response to the hysterical reporting of the coming Mayday protests.

As members of Britain’s growing alternative and independent media network, we are saddened to see press releases issued by Scotland Yard being regurgitated in the national press without question.

A constant barrage of stories about suspected violent outbreaks have sidelined the debate about the important issues into rumour-fueled gossip about anarchists and thugs.

The role of the media should be to factually report, and offer a forum for discussion and analysis. Lazy journalism has demonised and stereotyped the rainbow coalition of groups and individual’s involved in the anti-Globalisation movement.

Once again it will be the alternative media who will be reflecting the real experience of those involved in the demonstrations.

Signed,

Paul O’ Connor, Undercurrents.org alternative news
Martin Palmer, Sharp Eye Media
Dylan Howitt, Conscious Cinema
Helen Iles, Undercurrents Foundation, Wales
Hannah Wright, Beyond TV
John Morton Groovy Movie
Jo Makepeace, SchNews
Ben Edwards, I-Contact video network
Liz Thomas, Flying Fish Productions