Media Warrior In Our Midst

RH Reality Check would like to publicly congratulate David Bennahum, president of the Center for Independent Media, for being named one of "50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World" by Utne Reader this week.

Bennahum and the Center for Independent Media oversee "independent, local news web sites" in 5 states - plus Washington DC - (Washington DC, Minnesota, Colorado, Michigan, New Mexico and Iowa).  Utne calls the center's coverage  "dogged" and Bennahum says indie media is needed now more than ever to counterract the mainstream media's "parroting of party propaganda." 

Why do we offer such public congratulations? Well, we're not only fans of the Center, RH Reality Check is proud to work with the Center to feature state coverage of reproductive and sexual health issues from the various state sites through the New Journalist Fellowship Program. From Wendy Norris' investigative reporting of who's behind Amendment 48 (the "personhood" amendment) in Colorado, to Lynda Waddington's ongoing coverage of abortion, family planning, HIV and immigrant health issues in Iowa, to Andy Birkey's excellent reportage on the religious right's political activity in Minnesota, RH Reality Check has highlighted the original reporting of these top-notch, award-winning journalists over the last year. 

Please join us in congratulating David Bennahum for being a "media warrior" - in times like these, we need the independent spirit, and unflappable commitment to journalistic integrity more than ever. Bennahum and the Center for Independent Media provide that for the public good and we thank him and them for what they do for all of us!