You really need Community Media, and this is
why
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It is universally
acknowledged, at least within western liberal
democracies, that freedom of expression is an essential
component of the society. Every kind of opinion is
welcomed as far as it does not violate the rights of
third parties. As democracy is all about dialogue and
debating and involving the whole of the society in
decision-making, what people think is the most important
part of all. And whether we like it or not, the media
shape the way we think.
We live in a world where
people constantly comment on the fact that the media in
our days have been more influencing than they have ever
been before. It is said that their importance is so
great, that it actually breaks the trias politica
principle and emerges as the 4th power. We get to know
what is going on around the world through the media,
whereas this could be a magazine, newspaper, radio,
television or the newest version of getting informed;
the web. If one considers the fact that a happening can
be delivered in so many different ways, through so many
different points of view, simply because our world is
not just black and white, then the role of the media is
crucial. What we are actually reading, watching or
listening to is in one way or another news through
somebody else's point of view.
So it seems like the media
have a lot or even too much power in their hands.
Especially when someone considers that the opinion of a
whole society is shaped by entities that have never been
democratically elected, and there was never a debate on
whether they are indeed capable of delivering news, then
the whole issue becomes even more complicated. What I am
trying to point out here is that more often and most
easily than we think, citizens are influenced by media
which in their turn might serve interests of third
parties even if such interests are conflicting those of
the citizens. This doesn't mean that all media are
like this of course and most importantly we should not
confuse bias with serving someone else's interest.
Every opinion is biased simply because it's
personal. What my point is that we cannot control
the extend to which this occurs. But it's
happening, I know it, you know it, but quite frankly
there isn't much we can do about it.
Or there might be something.
This is listening and generally getting yourselves
involved to community media. Community media serve as a
platform of exchange of ideas and opinions between the
citizens of the community. It should be highlighted that
nowadays, thanks to the internet, a community cannot
only be defined by geographical means but by
others such as ethnic, political and so on. The nature
of community media is clearly one of non-profit, thus
eliminating further the danger of having the interests
of third parties prioritized over to the interests of
the citizens. Community media are operated in the
community, for the community about and most importantly
by the community. Thus it is a clear reflection of the
needs of the community that it operates to.
Now, as far as Cyprus is
concerned, Community Media are present in our littler
island thanks to MYCY Radio which is
managed by the NGO Cyprus Community Media
Centre and is the only web multilingual radio
in Cyprus. Being an example of community media, it gives
the chance to people from all different backgrounds,
amateurs and professionals to raise their voice on
issues that concern not only themselves but also fellow
citizens. MYCY Radio is a
place where you know that what you're listening to,
represents merely the opinion of the person involved.
Transparency is something that the Cypriot society
desperately needs as we are now for good into the 21st
century and MYCY Radio can
offer that. It is a place where everyone can get
him/herself involved in a dialogue which will serve as a
mean for improvement in our community.
Support your local Community
Media!
https://www.facebook.com/events/871812449562796/
As MYCYradio
does not run ads in order to remain community-focused, a
Bingo fundraising event is being organized with our
friends at Brickyard. Being there is of crucial
importance. It is not about supporting another NGO. It
is about securing that a platform that will give you the
chance to speak up and demand or question things will be
there whenever you need it to. The work that has been
done so far is great, and you can actually listen to it
by visiting MYCY Radio's website: http://mycyradio.eu/
You are all welcome to join
us, have fun, enjoy the night with DJs, drinks and food,
and at the same time help raise funds for the station,
in order to help it remain alive and vibrant and to
continue meeting its cause! MYCY Radio needs
us as much as we do!
Marita is 18 years old
and will graduate from high school in June 2016. She is
interested in current affairs, debate, journalism as
well as dance and music. She is currently an intern at
Cyprus Community Media
Centre.