Flack Attack

Since its founding nine years ago, the Center for Media & Democracy remains the world's only organization dedicated to investigating and exposing special interest propaganda. In those nine years, we've published 37 issues of PR Watch, our award-winning flagship publication. CMD staff members have written three acclaimed books and spoken to thousands of people in most states and many countries. We've conducted hundreds of interviews, from the smallest radio stations to the largest TV networks, and with newspapers including the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post.

As the articles in this latest issue demonstrate, there is still a pressing need for the investigative journalism that we provide. The evening news and the major newspapers are barely reporting on the massive PR campaign through which the Bush administration is preparing the United States and the rest of the world for war. And where would you turn, other than PR Watch, for the detailed analysis that Bob Burton and Andy Rowell offer, beginning on page six, of the British American Tobacco company's recent attempt to position itself as "socially responsible"?

During the past year, our work has expanded. The "Spin of the Day" section of our web site is increasingly popular, and thousands of people have subscribed to our free weekly email bulletin, the "Weekly Spin." We have other plans in the works to expand our reporting on industry front groups and anti-environmental think tanks.

Unfortunately, however, success in our mission does not guarantee our survival. On the contrary, it places greater demands upon us. That's why we hope you'll take a moment right now to donate online or use the address below to send a financial contribution so that our work can continue.

The Center has survived as a spunky, underfunded organization thanks to a small but dedicated staff and to our members. We refuse grants from businesses and government to maintain our independence, so personal contributions from people like you are crucial in funding our work.

Your contribution of $50, $100 or whatever you can afford will be tax-deductible and can be sent to our office at the following address:

Center for Media and Democracy
520 University Avenue, Suite 227
Madison, WI 53703

You can also donate online right now.

In addition to sending money, you can also help support our work by spreading the word. Sign up for the "Weekly Spin," and send it on to others in your email address book.

Thank you for your support, and have a peaceful new year.