Become the Media at G20 : Melbourne Indymedia

There is a final independent media meeting for coverage of the G20 this Thursday 16th November at 6pm in the Media Space at RMIT. There has been heaps of discussion about the idea of collaboration, this will be our chance to discuss ideas and tactics, legal issues, safety, and generally say hello!

RMIT is on the corner of Latrobe and Swanston streets. Bowen St runs between Franklin St and LaTrobe St, through the RMIT campus. Walk halfway down Bowen St, look out for signs for the Media Space, through the glass automatic doors and into the building, on the ground floor. See PDF for map below. If you need directions call the Indymedia Van number.

An Indymedia van will be in operation to document activities, festivities, and public actions. It will also be a point for you to distribute your media - the van will be equipped so that you can upload your text-stories, audio, and video to the internet. Drop by (we’ll have an Indymedia sign on the van) or give us a call if you witness or are involved in something that deserves an independent media presence. And stay tuned for details of night-time guerrilla ﬁlm screenings!

Got an action planned or somethings going down call: INDYMEDIA VAN: 0401 043 385

The media space at RMIT has internet access, a couple of computers, access to a fax, computer. Drop into this space with your audio, text, photos or video and get it online. Use this space to write your stories, charge your batteries, connect with other media makers or sit down and edit your video.

As a media maker it is important to consider your ethical responsibilities. Please consider the willingness of everyone you may video, photograph or interview. It is respectful to ask people if they mind being photographed or filmed and to tell your ’subjects’ what you are doing and where material will end up. It is possible some people may oppose having their photograph placed on the web. As a means of support and safety, it is recommended that each media maker is buddied up with someone else who is also a media maker, to keep an eye on each other and your equipment.

If you are recording audio contact: 3CR Melbourne Community Radio. Regular audio reports and coverage will be available on Community Radio Station 3CR (855am) or via web streaming.

The Indymedia Van is looking for any footage/photos taken during the week to do Guerilla night-time screenings! Just come to the Van or call 0401 043 385 To capture and edit your footage use the RMIT media space. If you would like to be a part of this adventure, come to the meeting, call the van number or hunt the van down.

"It is respectful to ask people if they mind being photographed or filmed and to tell your ’subjects’ what you are doing and where material will end up."

On the other hand, anything which occurs in public is fair game for you to record, and you may legally display your recordings as long as you are not defaming anyone or committing a public obscenity by doing so.

People who are taking part in a public protest may be assumed to have given their consent to be publicised. And anything which is newsworthy and in the pubic interest to portray may be portrayed as part of a news report.

But don't take my word for it, check with a lawyer if you have doubts.

So, be 'respectful' if and when it is practical and appropriate, but don't let your voice be silenced if you think there is something which should be said! The planned protest, and the G20 event itself, are both public spectacles, and the people taking part, at least while they are taking part, are public figures. All of it is news. Report it how you see it! A diversity of views in media reporting is an essential part of any legitimate political process.

"Indy"media is all but irrelevant, with its unhidden bias and one-sided commentary. A glance to the left navigation bar will reveal "Indy"media's agenda.

If you want independent media, join the free-market of the blogosphere.