In a compelling episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D brings together a powerful panel to discuss the intersection of media justice, net neutrality, and the evolving role of social media. Joining him are Steven Renderos, executive director of the Center for Media Justice, journalist author Jennifer Pozner founder of Women in Media, and local hip hop artist and tech educator Chris Burger. Together, they dive into the long-term consequences of corporate control over digital spaces, the importance of net neutrality, and the ways in which social media platforms are influencing public discourse.
The Battle for Net Neutrality
The episode opens with a conversation about the recent legal challenges to net neutrality, the principle that ensures equal access to all online content. Renderos explains why net neutrality is crucial for maintaining an open and democratic internet. He notes, “Net neutrality is essentially the idea that the internet should remain a free and open space where all voices, regardless of size or wealth, are treated equally.” He goes on to detail how the recent legal challenges threaten this principle, which could lead to corporations like Comcast and Verizon creating “fast lanes” for large companies while leaving smaller voices, like independent journalists or content creators, stuck in the slow lanes.
Renderos underscores the far-reaching effects these changes could have: “What we’re seeing is the slow erosion of the space that allows independent voices to thrive, making it easier for big corporations to dominate the internet. That’s what’s at stake here — and we need to protect the open internet for everyone.”
The Impact of Social Media Manipulation
Jennifer Pozner, a veteran of the media justice movement and a strong advocate for gender equality in media, draws attention to the harmful impact of social media algorithms. She describes how platforms like Facebook and Twitter manipulate content feeds to maximize engagement, often promoting outrage and misinformation. “When social media platforms put profit over people, they amplify voices that spread hate and misinformation,” Pozner explains. “We’ve seen the rise of conspiracy theories, the spread of disinformation, and now we’re seeing platforms like Facebook remove fact-checking altogether. This isn’t just about misinformation; it’s about who gets to control the narrative.”
Pozner, who has personally faced harassment online, also addresses the gender-based and racialized violence that many women and people of color experience on these platforms. She recounts how, in the aftermath of the Charlottesville rally, she became the target of a coordinated harassment campaign simply for speaking out. “I’ve had to leave platforms because of the constant threats. But the reality is, women have been facing this kind of harassment for years before many people started paying attention,” she says.
Empowering the Next Generation: Chris Burger’s Perspective
Chris Burger, known for his work as a local artist and tech educator, brings a unique perspective to the discussion. As someone who teaches digital literacy to youth in Oakland, Burger emphasizes the importance of empowering young people to take control of their online presence. “The most important network is the human network,” Burger states. “We need to teach our youth that owning your data and understanding how tech works is just as important as creating great music or art.”
Burger is deeply involved in training young people in the ins and outs of technology, showing them how to navigate the digital world and become creators, not just consumers. He explains, “We’re teaching kids how to own their content, how to protect their data, and how to use technology to build their own platforms. This is about giving them the tools to push back against the corporations that want to control their online experience.”
Burger’s commitment to creating community-driven solutions is evident as he shares an inspiring story about building a tech center in Oakland. “We’re working on a project called the Long Community Innovative Technology Entrepreneurial Center, where we’ll be teaching digital and data literacy, but also showing how to build infrastructure that’s not controlled by big corporations.”
A Path Forward: Building Resilient Digital Communities
The conversation takes a critical turn as Davey D highlights the addictive nature of social media and the deep dependency people have on platforms like Facebook and Twitter. He explains, “People are hooked on these platforms. It doesn’t matter if they know about the manipulation — they can’t quit. It’s like a bad habit that’s hard to break.” Renderos agrees, emphasizing that this addiction to social media is part of a broader issue. “The reality is, these platforms aren’t designed for us to thrive. They’re designed to make money off our attention, and that’s why we see these manipulative algorithms.”
As the conversation turns toward solutions, Pozner emphasizes the importance of building strong, resilient digital communities. “We have to take control of the narrative, both online and offline,” she states. “We need to build media literacy so that people know how to spot disinformation and recognize when they’re being manipulated. And we need to come together to create independent platforms that prioritize people over profit.”
Conclusion: The Urgency of Collective Action
In closing, the guests reflect on the need for collective action to protect media freedom and create alternatives to corporate-controlled platforms. Renderos stresses the importance of community-led digital infrastructures, while Pozner emphasizes the need for continued advocacy to ensure diverse voices are heard. Burger’s message of empowerment rings loud and clear: “We have to own this space. We have to teach the next generation how to fight back, how to create their own tech, and how to push against the corporations that want to control us.”
This episode of Hard Knock Radio is a call to action for those who care about media justice, net neutrality, and the future of the internet. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that the fight for a free and open internet is far from over. But with advocates like Renderos, Pozner, and Burger on the frontlines, there is hope that we can build a more inclusive, just, and democratic digital world.
Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.