INDYMEDIA AT THE G8 2005

The 2005 G8 is unique when compared to the last several summits. This G8 we are told, is all about solving the world's problems, all about Blair and Brown and the UK Governement leading the way on tackling Climate Change, Poverty and Debt - so much so that Blair even had cheek to say "it would be very odd if people came to protest against this G8... I don't quite know what they'll be protesting against".

While much of the mainstream press coverage has either limited itself to celebrity popstar led headlines or published articles that quite frankly read like Treasury Department press releases, through the Indymedia news websites and other alternative and independent media people participating in the protests will be telling their side of the story. They will be explaining why they are marching or taking direct action, and reporting the reality of what happens both on the streets and in the fields as the protests unfold.

It's a story that needs telling now, more than ever before.

During the G8 there is a need for teams of video volunteers and photographers to cover the various events and protests. Volunteer audio reporters are needed to provide audio coverage of the protests, actions and counter conferences - recording, interviewing, editing and uploading audio reports. More importantly people are encouraged to publish their own written reports about events on the Indymedia website (anyone can do it, just hit the 'publish button'). There will also be a reporting hotline telephone number published which you can call to give updates on whatever's happening in your area. A radio webstream will also be broadcasting coverage during the week of the events.

To facilitate this and to support people making their own media there will be a main Independent Media Centre (IMC) located in central Edinburgh. Equipped with internet connected computers it will open several days before the G8 protests and time will be allocated for training and co-ordination meetings. Indymedia is committed to trying to make the centre a welcoming place where people with little experience of media activism can plug in, join street media teams, and get started in the empowering process of making our own media. People are needed to help run the centre and to provide training, kit needs to be sourced, set up, and run over a full week of protests. People will be asked to register when they arrive and to join various volunteer media teams.

Various groups are also collaborating to set up a smaller Independent Media Centre in Glasgow and other media access points closer to Gleneagles where the G8 Summit will be held.

PARTICIPATE IN INDYMEDIA - BECOME THE MEDIA

Going to the G8? Then why not become the media and write reports for Indymedia. Upload your pictures, call in reports to the reporting hotline, publish audio interviews. Volunteers are needed to form media teams and to help run spaces - this is a collaborative project.

Edinburgh IMC: The Forest Cafe 3 Bristo Place Edinburgh EH1 1EY

Check http://www.scotland.indymdia.org and http://www.indymedia.org.uk for more details and reporting from the G8

Or get in touch via: imc-g8-2005-contact@lists.indymediaSTOPSPAM.org