DUers! URGE CSPAN TO COVER CONYERS FORUM on media bias next Tues!!

FROM THE NEWSWEEK CONTROVERSY TO THE DOWNING STREET MEMO, CONYERS HOSTS FORUM: "MEDIA BIAS AND THE FUTURE OF FREEDOM OF THE PRESS"

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Tuesday, May 24, at 1 p.m., Rep. John Conyers, Jr. and other Members will host a forum concerning the state of the freedom of the press in this country.

There are few liberties which are more precious to our citizenry or important to our democracy than a free and independent press. Unfortunately, in the present environment, the fourth estate appears reticent to cover numerous issues of genuine public import, and has frequently retreated in the face of criticism and threats from government officials.

For example, the mainstream media has largely ignored the implications of the "Downing Street Memo," which points to a secret agreement between the Bush and Blair Administration to not only go to war, but create the conditions necessary for the war. Similarly, in the wake of the Newsweek "retraction" of the Koran story, the Administration has sought to mandate that the magazine alter its coverage of our involvement in the Middle East.

Tuesday's Forum will provide a timely opportunity to assess the nature of media bias and the extent that press freedoms are at risk in the post-9/11 world.

WHAT: Forum: "Media Bias and the Future of Freedom of the Press"

PANEL:
Al Franken, the Al Franken Show on Air America Radio, author of Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right

David Brock, founder of Media Matters

Randi Rhodes, the Randi Rhodes Show on Air America Radio

Joe Madison, The Black Eagle Radio Show

Justin Webb, Senior Washington Correspondent of BBC News

Eric Alterman, Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress

Steve Rendall, media watchdog group FAIR (Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting)

John Aravosis, America Blog

Mark Lloyd, Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress


WHEN: Tuesday, May 24, at 1 p.m.

WHERE: 2226 Rayburn House Office Building