Press Release

July 24, 2017

Manhattan Neighborhood Network and Free Speech TV to Broadcast Net Neutrality Special

Veteran journalist Laura Flanders and panelists offer insight into the risks of privatizing the internet.

New York, July 24, 2017 — Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) and Free Speech TV (FSTV) co-host, What’s at Stake?: Net Neutrality, that will air on Thursday, July 27 at 8pm ET on both MNN-FSTV (Spectrum channel 1301 and FiOS channel 39 for Manhattan viewers) and FSTV (DISH 9415, DIRECTV 348 or streaming on Roku, Amazon Fire, Android TV and freespeech.org​).

Just two years after the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), under the Obama administration, affirmed the concept of net neutrality, some of the largest media corporations in the world are looking to privatize the information highway. This time they have powerful allies, including the Trump administration and the new Chair of the FCC, Ajit Pai.

Moderated by host, Laura Flanders, of The Laura Flanders Show, the hour-long program features panelists at the leading edge of the fight to oppose this fresh attack, including former FCC Special Counsel and Open Society Fellow, Gigi Sohn; Free Press Executive Director, Craig Aaron; Color of Change Campaign Director, Brandi Collins; and Columbia Law School Professor and Author, Tim Wu.

The special was taped at the MNN El Barrio Firehouse Community Media Center in East Harlem. MNN President and CEO, Dan Coughlin said, “Net Neutrality and equal broadband access for all is vital to maintaining a level playing field so that local voices can be heard in the media landscape.” Otherwise, the big media giants will continue to dominate and grow, shutting out diversity.”

What’s at Stake?: Net Neutrality will air on Thursday, July 27 at 8pm ET on MNN – FSTV (Spectrum 1301 and FiOS channel 39 for Manhattan viewers or streaming live online worldwide at mnn.org) and on Free Speech TV (DISH 9415, DIRECTV 348 or streaming on Roku, Amazon Fire, Android TV and freespeech.org). Immediately following the broadcast, FSTV will host a Twitter Chat with panelists. Please join the chat using #FreeSpeechTV and follow us @freespeechtv.

“This is a very tough fight.  Democracy and the health of civil society depend upon the free flow of information and all voices being heard. We are so pleased to be working with Manhattan Neighborhood Network to produce this timely, insightful special,” said Ron Williams, Executive Director of Free Speech TV.

Airdates:

Thursday, July 27, 2017 – 8 pm ET Premiere Wednesday, August 2, 2017 – 9:30 pm ET
Saturday, July 29, 2017 – 9:00 pm ET Sunday, August 6, 2017 – 9:00 am ET
Sunday, July 30, 2017, 10:00 pm Sunday, August 6 ,2017 – 9:00 pm ET

About Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Founded in 1992, Manhattan Neighborhood Network is New York City’s free public-access cable network. Operating five channels (Community, Lifestyle,Spirit, Culture and ​​HD Community) and reaching over 600,000 cable subscribers in the Manhattan area, MNN is the largest public-access cable network in the nation, with programs airing in more than 40 languages. Find MNN on Twitter​ (@MNN59), Facebook, YouTube, and at MNN.org.

In 2012, MNN opened a state-of-the-art community media center at the old Engine Co. 53 Firehouse on East 104th Street in East Harlem. The facility features three HD production studios, including a three-camera studio, as well as editing services and a Youth Media Center. The Firehouse offers classes in English and Spanish and hosts community events throughout the year.

MNN also produces the cable and digital channel NYXT.nyc (pronounced next dot n.y.c.).

Presented in partnership with more than 60 Manhattan community-based organizations, NYXT.nyc shines a spotlight on groups that are working to connect people and build neighborhoods. NYXT.nyc is available on TWC 1992, FiOS 38, and online at nyxt.nyc.

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