Here we are at the end of 2009 and despite our various promises to stay in touch, we have not done so. I take full responsibility for not being a better communicator and hope that we are able to improve the situation in 2009.

 

I'm sure we are all facing challenges of too much work and not enough time. Since our meeting in Istanbul, the Media Council Hawaii has been involved, almost full time, in trying to stop the takeover of 3 television stations in Hawaii by an offshore owner, Raycom Media. We are mobilizing public opinion and action and are the first community to challenge this kind of arrangement at the Federal Communications Commission in Washington DC. In addition we have successfully challenged the Supreme Court of Hawaii to put all Judicial Ethics and Financial disclosure reports online, starting in 2010.

 

I've attached an October news release about our challenge to Raycom Media for your information. We now find ourselves somewhat of a national phenomenon for having initiated this action. If you want to learn more, visit our website at www.mediacouncil.org . I will be asking that our news release and the link to our website be placed on the WAPC website (www.wapconline.org ).

 

I encourage each of you to write a short paragraph about the activities of your councils or a major issue of media freedom in your countries. We need to start 2010 with a renewed effort to enhance communication among WAPC members and friends. Another suggestion is that we begin using Skype or a similar service to conduct regular phone via computer calls with each other. Please send your feedback and ideas about improving communication. I look forward to working with you to accomplish this.

 

Aloha,

Chris Conybeare

Secretary General

WAPC