MediaChannel.org

Founded in 1999, MediaChannel is “the first media and democracy supersite on the World Wide Web.”

This web site was founded by Danny Schechter and Rory O’Connor and states that it is a place where “Journalists and media professionals, organizations and activists, scholars and citizens all need improved access to information, resources and opportunities to reach out and build connections.”

With its motto “As the media watch the world, we watch the media” MediaChannel includes information on numerous topics from social, political and cultural media. Organized sections of different videos, featured stories, blogs, archives, groups, members, links, and news media wire are neatly organized on the home page. The web site not only provides information and different perspectives, it also encourages participate, action and debate.

A section on the homepage called “MediaChannel Student Journalism Network” is an incredible addition of the site that is devoted to student journalists that provides a place where they can promote work, share videos and perspectives and even helpful tips.

Signing up as a member is completely free and allows you to comment on blogs and receive newsletters and alerts of updates and information of any topics that you are interested in.

The website is incredibly organized. Each of the 1107 organizations affiliated with MediaChannel can be searched by topic, type, and country. The site also offers a link that quickly allows you to tweet a specific story or topic link to whoever you choose.

MediaChannel also offers a social network that is completely free and has features that are similar to those on Facebook. You can blog, add friends, join groups, get instant updates of information of your choice, and leave comments.

The website also has a tab entitled “make a donation.” in order to create the new “MediaChannel 2.0” that is said to be launched very soon. The website is asking for donations from its viewers in order to upgrade and improve the technological aspects of the site. “Now we again need your help: to improve site technology, to add new interactive social features, to help train young journalists and to promote their work worldwide.”

This site also has an incredible addition of the site called the “MediaChannel Student Journalism Network.” The link leads you to a page that is devoted to student journalists that provides a place where they can promote work, share videos and perspectives and even helpful tips.

Overall, I give this website a 5 out of 5. It provides an abundance of great information, choices of multimedia and promotes the importance of journalism. Even Walter Cronkite commented about the MediaChannel website and said, “We’re always ready to speak out when journalists are at risk. But today we must speak out because journalism itself is at risk. That’s why I’m speaking out and reaching out to you tonight, to tell you that I like the idea of the Media Channel and want to encourage your participation. And that’s the way it is.”