When corporate media strikes, strike back

Once again, it is time for our annual Spring fund drive at the Asheville Global Report, but this Spring is notably different. As the Bush administration wages a war of aggression against the nation of Iraq, the corporate media is fighting its own war — a war for the hearts and minds of Americans. A war waged for the consent of this nation’s citizens for re-colonization, economic exploitation, and environmental destruction. With uncritical acceptance of the “official word,” the mainstream media feeds us all on the interests of the corporate and political elite. Every week, Asheville Global Report is on the front lines of this struggle to bring our readers factual hard news that is under-covered, or even altogether ignored by other sources.

Recently it was found that Clear Channel, the nation’s largest radio conglomerate, which is located in San Antonio, Texas and holds 1,225 stations across the nation, directly supported and in many cases instigated pro-war rallies across the Untied States. In the city of Asheville they where joined by The Asheville Citizen-Times, owned by Gannett (the nation’s largest newspaper conglomerate, boasting over 100 daily papers) in organizing the pro-war rally “Support our Soldiers.” Their coverage of issues surrounding the war in Iraq, and dissent at home have followed their political line.

This is only one of the most extreme examples of the “objectivity” of the mainstream media, where from Rupert Murdock’s rabidly pro-war FOX network, to the toothless “balance” of our weakened public broadcasters, the government line is followed in lock step. But with your help the message of peace and humanity will prevail. The power of truth, and the message of peace travel easier than corporate war mongering, because it is a message that resonates in the hearts and hopes of all people of conscience.

We, the volunteer editorial board and staff of AGR, believe it is necessary to provide our readership, our community, with solid news that allows them to balance the color of reporting by mainstream media, and draw their own conclusions. Collectively we contribute over 160 hours a week, more than the work of four full-time employees. However, with a modest annual budget of under $30,000, AGR cannot support salaried employees. This contribution of time by roughly 20 people is necessary to the existence of the paper.

Your contribution is necessary too. The funding that allows AGR to print this unique free paper each and every week, for thousands of readers, comes from four main sources: a modest advertising budget, micro-grants from small foundations, subscriptions, and private donations. Of these, our Spring fund drive has always brought in the bulk of the funds we need to print the paper.

Without you, we would be unable to continue. Whether it’s by coming on down to the office to volunteer, advertising your business, or contributing a donation towards printing and operating, your help is needed.

AGR is a 501(c)(3), and so your contribution is tax-deductible.

In times like these it is important that advocates for sustainability, peace, and justice reach as many people as possible. Our world can no longer afford the alternative.

Asheville Global Report Editorial Collective

Please send your tax-deductable contribution (check or money order) to:

Asheville Global Report
P.O. Box 1504
Asheville, NC 28802