Independent media by and for New Brunswickers to be launched on New Brunswick Day

For Immediate Release

July 29, 2009

Fredericton - The New Brunswick Media Co-op is launching a province-wide independent, news website (nbmediacoop.org) and monthly print publication, The Brief, on Monday, August 3rd. The launch will include an information and activity table at the Family Fun Day in Wilmot Park from 1-4pm, and evening party at Dolan's Pub starting at 8pm. The Brief--a 2-page broadsheet--will be distributed free of charge across New Brunswick.

"We aim to give voice to alternative views while covering communities and events that are ignored by the virtual media monopoly held by the Irvings," said Alex Murphy, member and writer for the NB Media Co-op.

"More now than ever, we need media to be a tool of accountability and democracy. This is impossible when the province's media is almost entirely controlled by one company, which has its own corporate interests at heart, rather than those of the public. We wish to fill that void by making independent media widely accessible to all New Brunswickers," added Murphy.

The NB Media Co-op is seeking members, contributors, and journalists from across the province, and will accept submissions in both French and English.

"We believe that operating democratically in a member-funded, co-operative model will provide greater accountability to the public. We are seeking out people to serve on an advisory committee, with representatives from diverse and under-represented communities. This will ensure that the issues that matter to all New Brunswickers are covered," explained Marie-Christine Allard, a member of the Co-op.

When the corporate domination of the province's media led to the closure of the Carleton Free Press, it became apparent that citizens would have to band together to provide a true voice for the people of New Brunswick. The NB Media Co-op was officially formed at a day-long conference in May that included journalists and concerned citizens from across the province.

"New Brunswick Day is an appropriate day for the launch, since the virtual media monopoly is one of the most pressing issues in the province today," added Allard. "In light of the recent announcement that a dozen professors are now refusing to provide political commentary for the province's main newspaper, in protest of the dismissal of journalism intern, Matt McCann, the NB Media Co-op will provide a welcome and accountable alternative to the uncritical for-profit media."

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Media contacts:

Alex Murphy, 455-7424
alexmurphy@nbmediacoop.org

Marie-Christine Allard, 454-3795
marieallard@nbmediacoop.org