History of Media Democracy Day

Who organized MD Day?

Since 1996, there have been several efforts by concerned citizens and media activists to build coalitions to make the media more democratically accountable in the US as well as Canada.
Initially MD Day was organized by local Toronto and Vancouver groups of the CPBF — modeled after its British namesake, a coalition of groups which came together in 1996 to challenge Conrad Black's takeover of much of Canada's press, and the threat to diversity posed by media concentration. Early supporters included the Council of Canadians, the CEP union, the Canadian Media Guild, the Graphic Communications International Union, the CLC, and the Periodical Writers Assn.
Today, the tradition of MD Day is carried on by local citizens and student groups in Canada and around the world.

Events were organized in 2001 in Toronto, Vancouver and Kitchener-Waterloo Canada.

In 2002 activist events were held in cities around the world.

Examples include:

In 2003 there were assorted events in Toronto and Vancouver.

more details to be added...

Why October 18th?

In short, October was selected as a good time since students are back in school and there are not too many competing holidays or events.

In previous years, the 18th was a convienient day of the week, but since has just become tradition. In general, most organizations conduct their own actions on what ever dates suites them.

But for those who want a good reason to select October 18th, here are two western centric historically signifcant facts...

Oct 18 1922 - BBC was established

"In 1922, the British Broadcasting Company was formed, five years before it received its first Royal Charter and became the British Broadcasting Corporation. In the 1920's, John Reith, the BBC's founding father, knew of America's unregulated, commercial radio, and the fledgling Soviet Union's rigidly controlled state system. Reith's vision was of an independent British broadcaster able to educate, inform and entertain, without political or commercial pressure. More than one million ten shilling (50p) licences had been issued by 14 Nov 1922 when daily transmissions began. Listening to the wireless in the UK quickly became a social and cultural phenomenon as the BBC in London (call sign 2LO), and its regional stations, gave birth to radio mass communication."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_18

Oct 18 1892, First Long-Distance Telephone Line Opened

"In Oct 18 1892, the first long-distance telephone line between Chicago and New York was formally opened as Chicago Mayor Hempstead Washburn greeted his New York counterpart, Hugh J. Grant."
http://www.todayinsci.com/10/10_18.htm

*The Media Democracy Day website is maintained by OpenMedia.ca.