So, yet another major fail from the New York Times. Last week, they devoted primo front-page space to an article propagating (and legitimizing) what Digby accurately characterized as "screwy far-right paranoia" over Obama's plan to broadcast a message urging the nation's children to study harder. It was paranoia deployed, of course, in the service of Republican obstructionism.
This latest egregious traditional media fail, combined with Kos's mantra "more progressives, then better progressives," plus FDL's mantra "sticks AND carrots" - got me thinking: why not an ActBlue-type Website to support progressive media, such as:
*publications like The Nation and Mother Jones
*broadcasters like Democracy Now, Air America, and Pacifica
*media critics like MediaMatters
*independent bloggers and journalists - so many fabu ones!
*There could also be donation categories for specific topics, or specific investigative journalism projects.
Many of the above individually solicit funds, but (speaking as a potential donor) the need to locate them, decide among them, and then make each donation individually is a barrier - same as it was for candidates before ActBlue. The site could work like ActBlue, minimizing or erasing that barrier. It will also vividly demonstrate to the traditional media - who either don't recognize the link between their incompetence/venality and their vanishing revenue, or can't act on that knowledge - that, moving forward, it will be journalistic integrity that creates success and sustainability.
Oh, and as a bonus, the site would no doubt drive both the pearl-clutching media villagers like Washpo editor Fred "Pay for Play" Hiatt and the wingnut bloggers (esp. those orphaned by PJ Media) crazy (or, crazier).
ActBlue has raised more than $100 million since 2004. Can you imagine how even 1/100 of that amount (a cool million) could advance the causes of progressive media, and progressivism? Are you willing to give 1/100 of what you've donated to candidates over the past few years to achieve that? Or, an amount equal to a NYT or Washpo subscription?
Whaddaya think? Please take the poll, and also share your thoughts in the comments. If you like the idea, please also tell us whom you think the site should support.
Looking for your comments, and if you like the idea please tell us whom you would support via the site.