Primary Investigator:

Jan Fernback, Temple University

Partnering Organization:

Media Tank

Media monitoring is one way communities can become empowered to create changes in their local media system.  Media Tank has begun developing a local media monitoring and analysis project that will allow Philadelphia residents to better understand the current media system and the role news institutions play in framing the discussion of important issues in the city.  This will be a first step towards increasing local news accountability and community involvement in critical decisions about Philadelphia’s media system.  Jan Fernback at Temple University will be responsible for analyzing the findings and working with Media Tank volunteers on creating a report of the findings.  Along with a written report of the findings, Media Tank may also create a video highlighting some of the findings that can be told through a visual medium. The findings will be released through an official press conference and through grassroots activist channels, as well as incorporated into Media Tank’s community education work as a way to bolster the organization's media education curriculum.  More than a dozen social justice groups, journalist organizations, community-based organizations, and other media justice groups in Philadelphia have all expressed interest in knowing the findings of this project and participating in discussions when the time comes.