From Denise Zaccardi/CTVN

Hi from the Community TV Network Youth Media Center. For the last four years we’ve provided a safe learning space for Elsa Concepción. Here’s her story.
“My name is Elsa. Since 2014 I’ve been part of this organization and it’s transformed me into a dynamic, smart, creative woman. Allow me to say why.
“Four years ago, I came here to learn film, but there’s more I’m getting from here. I found enormous support from CTVN staff during a tough time I had after my dad passed away. CTVN became a safe place for me to go to. Since then I’ve learned to cope and learned so many cool things!
“My documentary How to be a Man, on how sexism is affecting young adults, won ‘Best Doc’ at the Our Voices Film Fest in Vancouver and was the official youth film selection for the Screen Test Film Fest in Schaumburg. I’ve developed strong research and producer skills for human rights journalism and documentary.

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Posted on December 28, 2018

By Aerial Cities/The Smithsonian Channel

No spoiler: You’ll have to watch the video.

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Posted on December 19, 2018

By Free Press

The Federal Communications Commission voted Wednesday to begin a rulemaking process to initiate the 2018 Quadrennial Review of broadcast-ownership regulations. Congress requires the agency to review these rules every four years to determine whether they remain “necessary in the public interest.”
Previous reviews have substantially weakened the FCC’s ownership rules, despite overwhelming public opposition to further media consolidation. Last year, the FCC slashed local television-ownership restrictions while blessing shady sharing arrangements that allow big broadcasters – like the Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group – to buy up more and more local media.

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Posted on December 13, 2018

By Free Press

Texas-based Nexstar Media Group announced plans Monday to acquire Tribune Media for $6.4 billion, including debt. If approved by regulators, the proposed merger would make Nexstar the largest local-TV station owner in the United States.
Nexstar Media Group already controls 171 stations in 100 markets. Tribune controls 42 local stations, with outlets in major markets including Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. The two broadcasters have stations that overlap in 15 local markets. The merger would create an entity whose actual audience reach exceeds 72 percent, far higher than the congressional and FCC limits on national media ownership.

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Posted on December 3, 2018