[Archived in /pub/QRD/qrd/glaad/glaad-SFBA-6.10.93 on vector.intercon.com] GLAAD/SFBA Media Watch 6-10-93 by Al Kielwasser PROJECT CENSORED Each year for the last 17 years, Project Censored has assembled a panel of media experts to select the top "underreported" stories of the year: news reports of national importance that went largely overlooked in the mainstream press. Despite the fact that lesbian, gay and bisexual news is routinely ignored by the media monopolies, Project Censored has never included such concerns in its top-ten list. The list issued this year continued that dubious tradition. However, a Bay Area version of the project, sponsored by Media Alliance, has just included lesbian and gay news items on their list of the seven most underreported local stories of the year. Selected for third place was a June 1992 East Bay Express article by Linnea Due, illuminating the complex and formidable difficulties faced by lesbian and gay youth. Also on the list, and tied for sixth place, is Loralie Froman's Bay Area Reporter investigation into mortuaries that charge ilegal fees to handle bodies that carried HIV. Interestingly enough, serving on Media Alliance panel of experts that selected these two stories was Carl Jensen, Director of Project Censored. Drop Dr. Jensen a line at Project Censored, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park CA 94928, tel. 707-664-2149 or fax 707-664-0597. Remind him that Project Censored has a poor record of recognizing censorship when it involves lesbian, gay or bisexual news. Recommend that he consider these two local stories for inclusion on Project Censored's national list. Issues involving lesbigay youth and HIV discrimination are certainly of national importance. For more information about the local list of censored stories, write to Media Alliance, Fort Mason Center, Building D, San Francisco CA 94123, tel. 415-441-2557. LOOKING AT VIACOM Viacom Cable's promotional slogan is "More of What You're Looking For." Oh really? Rather than expand hours to accommodate long waiting lists of producers, the cable service is reportedly cutting back on its community access programming. Additionally, C-SPAN coverage might be reduced and it appears that new cable regulations will require Viacom to carry "religious" television stations KLUX-65 and KFCB-42. KFCB regularly broadcasts anti-lesbian and anti-gay programs, spearheading hate-motivated political campaigns under the guise of a "religious ministry." While the 1992 Cable Act may designate KLXV and KFCB as "must carry" stations, Viacom Cable is still free to balance hatred and lies with diverse and affirmative lesbian, gay and bisexual programming. At the very least, Viacom should make a strong commitment to public access television programs. Cable television-- and particularly public access--has become an important (and often singular) source of information and entertainment for the vastly under-served lesbian, gay and bisexual audience. Cable a message to Viacom today and let them know what you're looking for. Write to Jonathan Marx, Vice President and General Manager, Viacom Cable, 2075 Folsom St. San Francisco CA 94110. WALL STREET JOURNAL In an editorial titled "Bill and Roberta," the May 26th issue of The Wall Street Journal condemns the U.S. Senate's confirmation of Roberta Achtenberg as Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. This utterly inept editorial is filled with lies, stereotypes, and gross exaggerations. According to the Journal, Achtenberg "decided to teach those 12-year-old (Boy Scout) bigots a lesson" by "introducing a successful resolution\ to direct the city (of San Francisco) to cut its financial ties to the Bank of America." Wrong! In fighting the discriminatory policies of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), Achtenberg directed her attention towards its homophobic leadership. She always defended the integrity of children and never suggested that BSA was inhabited by "12-year-old bigots." Moreover the resolution she authored was not successful. The Mayor vetoed it. According to the WSJ, Achtenberg was pivotal in dissociating the Boy Scouts from San Francisco's public schools. Wrong again! Apparently the Journal's editorial writer was either too stupid or too careless to make any distinction between the San Francisco Board of Education and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. In an interesting twist of logic, the editorial also argues that a stand against the Boy Scouts' discrimination and intolerance is "grossly intolerant." The Boy Scouts, according to the Journal, are a "good thing" in "a society with too many fatherless children," and they provide much-needed "male role models" for "inner-city kids." The editorial claims: "The broader society doesn't want to punish gays, but it doesn't want to endorse their lifestyle either, especially not when it comes to instructing children." Apparently the WSJ has never heard of lesbian, gay and bisexual children. The editorial concludes: "A presidency that sides with the values of Roberta Achtenberg over the values of the Boy Scouts is heading for a big fall." Let the Journal know where it's heading. Write to Paul E. Steiger, Managing Editor, The Wall Street Journal, 200 Liberty St., NY NY 10281; tel. 212-416-2000. OUTLOUD TELEVISION A San Francisco-based production group, Outloud Television, is seeking participants for a project now in development. The producers are looking for people who came out by writing a letter to their family and friends. Participants in the project should be willing to openly share their stories and writing. The deadline is June 15, and those interested can call Maureen 415-824-1456 or Mary 415-526-2471. For more details, write to Outloud Television, POB 31520, San Francisco CA 94131.