Village of Shorewood Proclamation

November declared “Media and Democracy Month”

September 21, 2004

Whereas the Village of Shorewood recognizes that there can be no democracy without a diverse, free, independent, unfettered and responsible press; and recognizes that an informed electorate is essential to democracy; and

Whereas the number of corporations possessing the means of communication through newspapers and public broadcast frequencies has significantly decreased through consolidation and other means; and

Whereas newspapers are under investigation in Chicago and New York State; and

Whereas one corporation controls the only daily newspaper published in Milwaukee County, the only weekly newspaper reporting Shorewood affairs and has been granted licenses to operate the dominant radio and television stations serving Shorewood; and

Whereas the voices and opinions expressed over the public airwaves may be limited by acquisition of licenses and consolidation of programming; and

Therefore, I, Mark Kohlenberg, president of the Village of Shorewood, proclaim November "Media and Democracy Month" and encourage village residents, journalists, public officials and editors to inquire together into the historic role of media in democracy, to inquire together, in schools, forums or conversation, whether the current media system strengthens diversity in opinion and democracy and to consider whether media reform is appropriate.

Signed,

Mark W. Kohlenberg, Village President

Dated: September 20, 2004