Welcome to Dispatch #38! This week we are exploring the ever-changing role of media and entertainment in shaping our worldview and how propaganda is changing and adapting in modern times. Let's talk about the ways independent media supported revolution during the Arab Spring, the latest version of information warfare, and the evolution of the military-entertainment complex. And as always, fresh resources and calls-to-action to get involved today!
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Easy Actions to Take
Why: Ahmed Shihab-Eldin is an award-winning journalist who has worked for PBS Frontline, the New York Times, BBC, CNN, NBC and MSNBC. Since March 2, he has been detained in Kuwait with limited access to his lawyer, charged with “spreading disinformation.” This campaign sends personalised emails to 18 foreign ministries and embassies — including those in Kuwait itself — urging them to publicly condemn the regional crackdown on press freedom, call for Ahmed's immediate release, and raise these concerns through diplomatic channels. Organized by Newscord
Why: This May, millions of people are expected to tune in to the 70th Eurovision Song Contest. For the third consecutive year, they’ll find Israel celebrated onstage despite its ongoing genocide in Gaza, while Russia remains banned for its illegal invasion of Ukraine. We must stand in solidarity with Palestinians living through genocide and reject Eurovision being used to whitewash and normalise Israel’s genocide, siege and brutal military occupation. Organized by No Music for Genocide
Why: In the next week, Congress will vote on one of the federal government's most dangerous surveillance powers, Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which gives the FBI and other agencies a backdoor to spy on Americans without a warrant. 20 House Republicans voted against the bill in revolt last week, Congress was forced to pass an emergency 10-day extension to give them time to try to figure out a path forward. Now House Speaker Johnson has turned to the Democrats for help passing the bill — giving us an opportunity to keep up the pressure and stop this bill in its tracks. Organized by Color of Change
Little (Movement) Wins
How Independent Media Became Revolutionary Infrastructure During the Arab Spring
Activist History
