William Freivogel 
SIU Foundation 
The Encyclopedia of Social Movement Media, John DH Downing, Editor, was published in October, 2010 (Sage Publications). Several entries were contributed by SIUC faculty and graduate students, including Angela J. Aguayo, Lisa Brooten, John Downing, Joe F. Khalil, Novotny Lawrence, Joseph Oduro-Frimpong, Eunha Oh, Cinzia Padovani, and Tai Yu-Hui. The Global Media Research Center is fortunate to have a copy in our library which is available for review by request. Contact Laura Germann at
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or 453-6876.
The encyclopedia features around 250 essays on the varied experiences of social movement media over the planet in the 20th and 21st centuries. Examining the tip of a gigantic iceberg, this reference resource examines a sample of the dizzying variety of formats and experiences that comprise social movement media. The guiding principles have been to ensure that experiences from the global South are given voice; that women are properly represented among contributors; that the wide spectrum of communication formats is included; that further reading is provided where relevant; and that some examples are provided of repressive social movement media, not exclusively progressive ones.
Thematic essays address selected issues such as human rights media, indigenous peoples' media, and environmentalist media, and on key concepts widely used in the field such as alternative media, citizens' media, and community media. The encyclopedia engages with all communication media: broadcasting, print, cinema, the Internet, popular song, street theatre, graffiti, and dance. The entries are designed to be relatively brief with clear, accessible, and current information. Students, researchers, media activisits, and others interested in this field will find this to be a valuable resource.
Key Themes
- Cinema, Television, and Video
- Concept and Topic Overviews
- Cultural Contestations
- Feminist Media
- Gay and Lesbian Media
- Human Rights Media
- Independence Movement Media
- Indigenous Peoples' Media
- Information Policy Activism
- Internet
- Labor Media
- News
- Performance Art Media
- Popular Song
- Press
- Radio
- Social Movement Media
- Regions
Reviews
“This is a comprehensive, illuminating, and inspiring work of reference. By focusing on media use by social movements across the globe, John Downing has collected an extraordinarily rich and eclectic range of contributions that read like an act of generous solidarity as well as of scrupulous scholarship.” (Tony Dowmunt )
"This encyclopedia is a valuable contribution to one of the fastest-growing areas in communication studies. It is an informative, engaging, and up-to-date compendium of articles on concepts, campaigns, projects, and groups around the world, written by a balanced range of practitioners, activists, and established and emerging scholars.” (Robert (Bob) Hackett )
“This encyclopedia will be of use to students, scholars, and activists wanting understanding, historical precedents, and international comparison of experimental and dissident media organizations and projects.” (Patricia (Pat) Aufderheide )
“The visions of and commitments to another world are everywhere out there, being pursued through a variety of social movement media. This valuable collection of international experiences proves it. It is a must-have book for activists and researchers engaged with and communicating for social change.” (Thomas Tufte )
“Interpreting media and communication from the point of view of social movements allows us tounderstand the constructive and transformative potential that communities have in today's global society. The Latin American treasury of community media experience is represented, and much more besides.” (Amparo Cadavid Bringe )
"This encyclopedia is a valuable contribution to one of the fastest-growing areas in communication studies. It is an informative, engaging, and up-to-date compendium of articles on concepts, campaigns, projects, and groups around the world, written by a balanced range of practitioners, activists, and established and emerging scholars.” (Robert (Bob) Hackett )
“This encyclopedia will be of use to students, scholars, and activists wanting understanding, historical precedents, and international comparison of experimental and dissident media organizations and projects.” (Patricia (Pat) Aufderheide )
“The visions of and commitments to another world are everywhere out there, being pursued through a variety of social movement media. This valuable collection of international experiences proves it. It is a must-have book for activists and researchers engaged with and communicating for social change.” (Thomas Tufte )
“Interpreting media and communication from the point of view of social movements allows us tounderstand the constructive and transformative potential that communities have in today's global society. The Latin American treasury of community media experience is represented, and much more besides.” (Amparo Cadavid Bringe )
