Date: Sun, 17 May 1998 01:11:48 -0700 From: Eros Publishing Subject: Press Release Community Forum: Challenging Channel One this Monday, May 18th Did you know that almost all Seattle middle schools require students to watch 12 minutes of "info-tainment" television every day, including at least two minutes of commercials? That adds up to one hour each week that for-profit corporations profit from access to our children; this is time that could be used to actually teach something useful and positive. Many parents and concerned citizens are upset that Channel One is required viewing in Seattle schools. There will be a "Community Forum: Challenging Channel One" on Monday, May 18th, at 7:00pm at 911 Media Arts Center (117 N. Yale, one block south of REI). This event is free and open to all. Parents are especially encouraged to attend. At this forum you will see actual clips of Channel One "info-tainment" and commercials. There will be a panel discussion featuring media literacy expert Sandy Cioffi, parent activist Brita Butler-Wall, a student, and a teacher. This panel discussion, along with questions and answers, will be moderated by civil-rights leader Juan Jose Bocanegra. Small-group discussion will follow. Channel One is a for-profit corporation that induces middle-school principals to sign contracts. Channel One makes its money by selling advertising time (up to $250,000 for a 30-second spot) to corporations who feed upon our children's desires for junk food, military adventures, and expensive basketball shoes. Reportedly Channel One's net profit last year was $30 million. What did this multi-million dollar corporation give the schools in exchange for access to our children's minds? No money; not one dollar. Instead, each participating school receives an equipment loan of networked televisions. All of Seattle's middle schools, except for the alternative schools and Madison Middle School, are currently under a Channel One contract. This event is co-sponsored by the Citizens' Campaign for Commercial-Free Schools, 911 Media Arts Center, and the Center for Commercial-Free Public Education. Call Sarah Luthens at 206-726-4142 for more information or e-mail CCCS at . http://www.wolfenet.com/~aubrey/aubrey.htm