We're back from the extraordinary 2007 National Conference for Media Reform in Memphis. A fair amount of the convention proceedings -- select video, photos, and pretty much all the audio of the entire conference -- is already online, including the presentation on How to Challenge a Broadcast License which involved some CMA members.

Some of the presentation attendees asked to see a copy of the FCC's rejection letter. That letter is available here.

The diversity at the conference has improved tremendously. Though there's no definitive way to confirm this, it seemed to me that there were greater numbers of women and communities of color than in past conferences (though we'll wait on the final numbers, if they're available, from conference organizers).

I think the conference needs to work on including groups and individuals from low-income communities -- having a presentation table go from $70 to $300 is not going to help a lot of struggling yet active groups who have a yearly annual budget of $0.

Another excellent plus: A lot of excellent media-related projects affecting Chicago and Illinois in the months to come were clearly spelled out. CMA will certainly be playing a role in the struggles to come. More details will be made available, so stay tuned, true believers.

Also, conference attendees got a copy of the recent book by Chicago native Eric Klinenberg, called "Fighting For Air: The Battle to Control America's Media". Eric will be in Chicago this week, at events at Hull House and at Northwestern University.

I'll blog about some personal recollections about the conference on my blog on ZNet. In the meantime, let's do this conference again soon. And let us know if there's anything we can do.

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