The League of Women Voters of Portland is hosting a media and democracy forum on Wednesday, February 13.

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the Board Room of the Multnomah Building, 501 SE Hawthorne, Portland. The event is free, and the public is invited to attend.

The democratic ideal of informed public participation in government can be enhanced by a vibrant media that values diverse voices and in-depth discussion of the many issues facing our society. Do we have such a media? Have you heard enough about movie stars and want to learn more about community concerns on TV news? Do you want radio stations to play more tunes by local artists? Those are some of the issues the panel will address.

Andrea Cano, board member of OC, Inc. (Office of Communications of the United Church of Christ), will discuss last November’s hearing of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in Seattle and explore opportunities for public involvement in broadcast media policy development.

Rob Brading, CEO of MetroEast Community Media, will discuss challenges facing local access cable providers that air programs produced by local organizations and individuals.

David Olson, Director of Portland’s Office of Cable Communications & Franchise Management, will discuss the future of broadband in the metro region.

League member Janice Thompson, Executive Director of Democracy Reform Oregon, will moderate the discussion.

Last year Democracy Reform Oregon challenged the license renewal of Portland TV stations before the FCC based on research indicating that poor coverage of local politics on TV news in the month before the November 2004 election failed to meet the stations’ obligation under federal law to serve the public interest. The organizations represented by these speakers are also active in the Oregon Alliance to Reform Media. Portland Community Media will broadcast the forum live on Channel 30. Repeat broadcasts will be aired on Channel 30 on Friday, February 15, at 5p.m.; Sunday, February 17, at 6 p.m.; Tuesday, February 19, at 3 p.m.; and Friday, February 22, at 11 p.m.