Bradbury promotes alternative media

Bradbury promotes alternative media

By Adam Leeman

NEWCASTLE — More than 100 people turned out to celebrate alternative media and hear David Bradbury speak about his films Jabiluka and Loggerheads on March 29. The event was organised by Bradbury's film company, Frontline, and Green Left Weekly.

Bradbury spoke about the important role of independent media in a society where mainstream media are used to defend the interests of the wealthy. He described how his earlier films (including Nicaragua, No Pasaran! and Chile Hasta Cuando!) helped build awareness in Australia about western governments' support for repressive regimes in South America.

He also spoke about the problems facing independent film-makers in Australia — the lack of resources and the refusal of commercial TV networks to show films which highlight the destructive role of their corporate backers. As the government cuts funding to SBS and the ABC, these networks too are becoming reluctant to support independent films.

Bradbury talked about the crucial role of papers like Green Left Weekly and companies like Frontline as forums for independent investigation and reporting.

Alison Dellit, a member of Resistance and the Jabiluka Action Group, agreed, describing the vital role of the alternative media in the Jabiluka campaign, which the commercial media has largely ignored.

The meeting raised more than $100 each for the Jabiluka blockade and Green Left Weekly.

Bradbury will be speaking at the Asia Pacific Solidarity Conference (see ad page 20). Copies of Jabiluka can be bought for $30 from Newcastle's Resistance Bookshop or from David Bradbury at Wilson's Creek Road, Wilson's Creek, NSW 2482. Jabiluka can also be ordered from Resistance on (02) 4926 5328.

From GLW issue 313