This article questions the efficacy of NGOs, specifically, whether they can provide the leadership necessary to build a movement that is as democratic, diverse, and community-oriented as they purport.  Two recent local activist efforts are examined to determine some of the challenges and opportunities for civil society in shaping media policy and practice.

There is much excitement in the U.S. over the resurgence of a people’s movement against the corporate media juggernaut that is dominating culture, commerce and the future of communications. Can the NGOs that are taking leadership build a movement that is as democratic, diverse and community-oriented as the media system they promote?