SIR – Local community media is the new battlefield for hearts and minds being waged by the EU.
The community media in Europe report (A6- 0304/2008 2008(2068(INI)) by Karen Resetarits, an Austrian Euro MP, cites UK examples such as Angel Radio based in Hampshire, which raises awareness of physical and mental abuse of the elderly and school dropout internet/radio projects on which young people are encouraged to discuss racism, homophobia and aggressors are brought face-to-face with victims.
Karen also makes clear that she regards even the internet as part of the EU’s community media.
The EU sees these projects as a way to reach the people and wants to fund them, with the final objective (Point 22) of urging community media to establish a European internet platform.
Once the EU funds these projects, it can control their message by simply threatening to cut their money. Do we really want the EU in charge of what young people, the elderly and community groups are allowed to say? They already try to stop us telling the truth in the parliament.
It is worth pointing out that community media projects operate on very small budgets and are extremely vulnerable to single donors. The EU can buy them up for what, to the EU, amounts to small change.
Freedom of speech?
Sorry, not in the new improved EU.
MIKE NATTRASS MEP
(UKIP West Midlands)
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