The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Jen Howard, InternetforEveryone.org, (202) 265-1490 x22 or (703) 517-6273

InternetforEveryone.org to Kick Off National Town Hall Series in L.A.

WASHINGTON

InternetforEveryone.org -- a public-private sector initiative to connect every American to a fast, open and affordable Internet -- will hold its first town hall meeting on Dec. 6 in Los Angeles. This event is the first of a nationwide series designed to build popular support for making universal Internet access a top priority for the new administration and Congress.

WHAT: InternetforEveryone.org Town Hall Meeting
WHEN:
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, 12:30 - 5:30 p.m. PT
WHERE: The Radisson at the University of Southern California, 3540 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, Calif.

High-speed Internet, or "broadband," is becoming a crucial public necessity -- with unprecedented social, economic and educational potential. Technology plays a key role in solving many of the problems we face as a nation. But America's growing digital divide -- both domestically and internationally -- has cost the United States its claim to global Internet leadership. The social and economic consequences of America's failure to remain competitive are severe, and the need to address the problem is urgent.

"The Internet is transforming our democracy and economy," said Josh Silver, executive director of Free Press, the organizer of InternetforEveryone.org. "Yet nearly half of American homes are still not connected to broadband. Closing this digital divide must be a national priority. With its diverse citizenry, creative community and unique relationship to the information economy, Los Angeles is the perfect place to light the fire for Internet for everyone."

For more information, visit www.InternetforEveryone.org

Free Press was created to give people a voice in the crucial decisions that shape our media. We believe that positive social change, racial justice and meaningful engagement in public life require equitable access to technology, diverse and independent ownership of media platforms, and journalism that holds leaders accountable and tells people what's actually happening in their communities.

(202) 265-1490