Free Speech TV
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Free Speech TV (FSTV) is a free satellite television station in the United States founded in 1995. Its roots extend back to 1989 with "The 90's" public television series and The 90's Channel cable network.
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[edit] Mission statement
Free Speech TV's mission statement reads:
| “ | Working with activists and artists, Free Speech TV uses electronic media to cultivate an informed and active citizenry to advance progressive social change. | ” |
[edit] Funding
It is based in Boulder, Colorado. It receives no money from satellite providers, but relies instead on membership drives and foundation support to pay for operations.
[edit] Programming
Their 24-hour programming is a mix of documentaries, international news, public television from other countries and other often neglected topics by the mainstream media. Select Free Speech TV programs are streamed on the Internet on their Web site. FSTV programming includes Democracy Now!, Liberty News TV and Gay USA.
The station can be viewed on over 170 public access channels throughout the USA and on Channel 9415 on U.S. satellite system Dish Network in order to comply with FCC rules adopted in 1998 that require cable and satellite carriers to reserve a certain amount of space "for noncommercial programming of an educational or informational nature." It currently reaches over 25 million U.S. homes.
[edit] Criticism
The network is often accused of advocating extreme left-wing ideals and causes, and its programming is often very critical of the U.S. government and the post-World War II military operations of the United States and particularly skeptical of President George W. Bush and his administration. During the 1990s, it also opposed many policies of President Bill Clinton and the Republican-controlled Congress under Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.
