Please note this post contains language some may consider offensive, especially to younger readers.
Today, in Britain, the results came in from the general election that elects who runs the country. In response the public are in uproar, alighting social media with high strung opinions wrought with fear and repugnance. To add some context, one of the issues being raised is of concern about art funding and organisations. Usually I’d steer clear of political debate here on Last Minute Business, but I wanted to make mention of and expand upon one message that filtered through the rest with great spirit:
Podcasts are a free media.
Many people that are unhappy with the election results feel the billionaire owned media outlets had massive influence.
I truly believe that in the next 5 years, platforms like podcasts can put a huge level of power and influence to distribute information in the hands of others.
Those outside the agenda driven media.
This ISNT an ad for MY podcast.
This isn’t another push for you all to support and listen (but for sure do that too).
This is almost the opposite.
This is an encouragement for competition.
Anyone can start a podcast.
Anyone has the opportunity to do a little research and start something.
Don’t wish to start something?
That’s fine.
Do some research and support, promote, engage with a podcast that is speaking the way you wish the mainstream media spoke.
This is a call to arms in the war of controlled media.
Not happy with Murdoch or whoever else having an influence?
You have 5 years to build numerous avenues for influence in your democracy.
Stop fucking moaning and do something about it.
Scroobius Pip is an independent beat poet and rapper (and one of the best too). He is also the author of these words and this sentiment.
And he has a point. Yes, the ‘Man’ and all his people have gathered together to seemingly throw a spanner in the collective art world’s works, and yes, this means deep set fear in the souls of many creatives in the UK. But here is Scroobius Pip, a man who has done exactly what he is suggesting the rest of us do, and done it pretty successfully.
So here’s my two pence on the issue. Pip has a point. And it may seem terrifying and like a hella lot of work right now, but already there are platforms out there to help with this kind of thing. Patreon, Kickstarter (and all the other crowdfunding platforms), YouTube, WordPress, and even private funding organisations such as Nesta if you still want to go down the ‘traditional’ route*. These are but a few out there, never mind the possibilities of going completely indie.
We live in an age of self-publishing, where our audiences and our creators are at our fingertips. We even have the technology to create our work in our phones! All you need to do, and especially if you’re freaked out about ‘The Man’ and his anti-creative plans, is get off your ass and do it. No one controls you. No one can stop you. The only thing I can guarantee getting yourself off the ground will do is teach you how wonderful it is to fly with your own wings.
On that note, here’s me doing it – so I’m not just all talk. You don’t have to be either.
Jem, Last Minute Business
What other media outlets do you know of that are awesome and can help? What ways have you done or seen done that could spread some inspiration? Share it with us in the comments section below and let’s take our world into our own hands.
*I am not paid, sponsored, or in any way influenced to promote or mention any of these platforms. I have only seen them work well, and want to open thought into a positive perspective. Please, do research, find your own way and own opinion on them.
Last Minute Business Jem 