CounterMedia
Countermedia,
Alternative Coverage of the 1996 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
(Internet Services Coordinator.)
CounterMedia was among the first
activist-organized independent media organizations, founded to provide media
services to and about protest and alternative activities during the 1996 Democratic
National Convention in Chicago. Other organizations -- such as the Los Angeles
Alternative Media Network (LAAMN) also established media centers that year.
After that, DAMN (Direct Action Media Network) began. A few years later,
independent media really took off with IndyMedia, which got a huge boost in
awareness from its coverage of the Battle of Seattle. IndyMedia is now probably the best-known
alternative media organization, with collectives in dozens of cities around the
world.
CounterMedia volunteers and staff directly suffered police
repression and brutality. A lawsuit was filed to gain remuneration for smashed
equipment, and to make sure that the Chicago Consent Decree -- which was in theory
at least supposed to minimize red-squad surveillance -- was maintained. See Third Amended Complaint; see
also other documents. Unfortunately
the case has been unsuccessful, and the conservative 7th Circuit has gutted the
Chicago consent decree--despite the persistence of unlawful red squad
behaviors.