Alternative media are media (newspapers, radio, television, movies, Internet, etc.) which provide alternatives to the mainstream media in a given context, whether the mainstream media are commercial, publicly supported, or government-owned. Alternative media differ from mainstream media along one or more of the following dimensions: their content, aesthetic, modes of production, modes of distribution, and audience relations. [1] Alternative media often aim to challenge existing powers that be, to represent marginalized groups, and to foster horizontal linkages among communities of interest. [2] Proponents of alternative media argue that the mainstream media are biased. While sources of alternative media can also be biased (sometimes proudly so), proponents claim that the bias is significantly different than that of the mainstream media, hence these media provide an "alternative" viewpoint. As such, advocacy journalism tends to be a component of many alternative outlets. Because the term "alternative" has connotations of self-marginalization, some media outlets now prefer the term "independent" over "alternative". Several different categories of media may fall under the heading of alternative media. These include, but are not limited to, radical and dissident media, social movement media, ethnic media, indigenous media, community media, subcultural media, and avant-garde media. Each of these categories highlights the perceived shortcomings of dominant media to serve particular audiences, aims and interests, and attempts to overcome these shortcomings through their own media. Alternative media differ from mainstream media along one or more of the following dimensions: their content, aesthetic, modes of production, modes of distribution, and audience relations ********************* Subcategories sociocultural contect and subject matter Avant-garde Media perceived shortcomings of dominant media to serve particular audiences, aims and interests, and attempts to overcome these shortcomings through their own media. Alternative media differ from mainstream media along one or more of the following dimensions: their content, aesthetic, modes of production, modes of distribution, and audience relations. ****************** content and context The category of avant-garde media emphasizes the experimental and innovative aspect of a certain kind of alternative media that stands out for its [[aesthetic]] qualities and that is usually produced by artists. Examples of avant-garde media can be found in the works of the [[Situationist International]], [[Dadaism]], [[Surrealism]], [[Punk literature]], [[Epic Theatre]]. Art has provided scenarios for radical media Twentieth century art movements, especially those that bloomed in euorpe after the firs world war. surrealists, dadaists, Situationist International Dadaism Avant-garde Avant-garde (French pronunciation: [avɑ̃ɡaʁd]) means "advance guard" or "vanguard".[1] The adjective form is used in English, to refer to people or works that are experimental or innovative, particularly with respect to art, culture, and politics. ************************ Each of these categories highlights the perceived shortcomings of dominant media to serve particular audiences, aims and interests, and attempts to overcome these shortcomings through their own media. ********************************************************* A constructive definition of alternative media can begin with the presence of radical content, most often allied to the promotion of social change. ############################################################ # (cur | prev) 01:01, 9 October 2010 Lombana (talk | contribs) m (6,363 bytes) (undo) # (cur | prev) 00:59, 9 October 2010 Lombana (talk | contribs) (6,353 bytes) (undo) # (cur | prev) 00:21, 9 October 2010 Lombana (talk | contribs) m (6,196 bytes) (clarifying media bias) (undo) Alternative media are media (newspapers, radio, television, movies, Internet, etc.) which provide alternatives to the mainstream media in a given context, whether the mainstream media are commercial, publicly supported, or government-owned. Alternative media differ from mainstream media along one or more of the following dimensions: their content, aesthetic, modes of production, modes of distribution, and audience relations. [1] Alternative media often aim to challenge existing powers that be, to represent marginalized groups, and to foster horizontal linkages among communities of interest. [2] Proponents of alternative media argue that the mainstream media are biased in the selection of news and information. While sources of alternative media can also be biased (sometimes proudly so), proponents claim that the bias is significantly different than that of the mainstream media because they have a different set of values, objectives, and frameworks. Hence these media provide an "alternative" viewpoint, different information and interpretations of the world that cannot be found in the mainstream. As such, advocacy journalism tends to be a component of many alternative outlets. ***************************************** Avant-garde media The category of avant-garde media emphasizes the experimental and innovative aspect of a certain kind of alternative media that stands out for its aesthetic qualities and that is usually produced by artists. Examples of avant-garde media can be found in the works of the Situationist International, Dadaism, Surrealism, Punk literature, Epic Theatre, Theatre of the Oppressed, Stencil graffiti.