Published: April 17, 2003

Media studies students in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Colorado at Boulder are staging a weeklong campaign titled "Operation Media Freedom" April 21-25 on the Boulder campus.

According to organizers, the events are designed to inform and educate CU students and the Boulder community of the impacts of mainstream media on popular culture and coincide with National Turnoff Your TV Week.

The events span five days and will tackle issues such as corporate culture and the media, media and the environment and cultural representations and the media. Another objective of the initiative is to encourage people to find alternatives to watching television.Ìý

Scheduled events include a slam poetry competition, "Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace," a Latin dance class, a film and discussion on the "Hidden Wars of Desert Storm" and a program teaching elementary school students how to watch TV. A series of panel discussions will top off the week of activities.

"Dancing to a Latin Beat: Salsa, Meringue and Cha Cha," a free dance class with Milagros and Tony Cortez at 5 p.m. on Monday, April 21, in the UMC Ballroom, will offer a chance to learn the latest moves while taking a break from the nightly news.

The students in Professor Polly McLean's media and culture class are the official sponsors of the week. Additional sponsors include the Journalism Board and the Fox Theater.

For more information call (303) 324-2727 or (720) 352-5676.