Hello everyone, and welcome to the 26th episode of Probable Cause. This is going to be a brief update on where I’ve been, what we’ve been doing, where we’re headed, and why.
In September and October we had an intense campaign on the Real Dennis Hastert Case. As expected, our forecasting was spot on. As expected, the mainstream and pseudo-alternative media channels unanimously blocked any real revelations in the real Hastert case. As expected, the criminal bastard and pedophile walked away from all his criminal deeds unscratched and with full-protection from the establishment media.
Now for some this whole deal may have been a real downer. Why wouldn’t it be? It is one of thousands of US political cases where we are reminded of the constant absence of accountability and justice.
How about me? Did I go through a down period? You bet. However, it was brief; very brief. The whole thing made me stop, think, reevaluate, and get back on my feet loaded with new plans, more drive, and higher aspirations. How is that for ‘when life gives you lemons make lemonade’?!
During our BFP roundtable session with James Corbett and Peter B. Collins I vaguely mentioned my new idea and plan to take our BFP site to the next step. Actually, I’d say taking it a few steps above and beyond where it stands today. I broadly and to a certain extent, vaguely, talked the talk during that episode. And, immediately after recording that session, I began walking the talk- intensely, nonstop and with a fierce drive I have not felt for a long time. And I’ve been at it since, and will be at it for the next few months.
Okay, so what is the objective? What are the plans? Let’s address the questions of what, why, who and how.
What
We are going to form and operate a participatory news and multimedia network created to redefine content-driven publishing through a publicly-funded platform. Our new media platform will provide original investigative news and stories, daily analyses and commentaries, and audio and video podcast productions on significant issues ignored and/or censored by existing media sources.
Unlike many existing online media models, we will abide by a strict code of journalistic integrity, made possible by being independent, advertisement-free, and by being solely publicly funded. Our investigative reports and multimedia productions will be completely nonpartisan, agenda-free, with content free to all subscribers.
We are going to establish a headquarters for our office, set-up a recording studio, have in-house IT operations, editors and managerial staff. We will employ full-time and part-time investigative journalists (National & International) with allocated research and travel funds. We are going to have in-house producers: we’ll produce daily news video-audio episodes, daily analyses, video-audio shows, and multiple political debate-discussion roundtables which will be available both in video and audio formats. Additionally we’ll have daily columns for articles, analyses and commentaries, and original editorial toons.
But wait, that’s not all. We are working on a section that will be dedicated to activism and communities, and in coordination with that 24 X 7 managed live forums for activist subscribers.
Why
While we have seen the rise of many alternative media sources, the stage has been overcrowded mainly by two categories: 1- A handful of well-funded entities whose funding comes from the same establishment they were set up to differ from (Mega Foundations & Corporations and Billionaire Sugar Daddies); 2- Thousands of singularly operated entities with limited resources, thus limited coverage and reach.
Currently there are numerous independent information sites in operation. While some produce high-quality informational material, all are limited by their lack of resources, time and visibility. From the viewers’ perspective, first it is very difficult just to discover and select from these independent sources, and then it is both tedious and time-consuming to visit, view and actively engage with each one.
Our media network will be an answer to both: 1- Truly independent from mainstream funding sources (No advertisement, no foundations, no partisan backing and no billionaire sugar-daddies); 2- A center stage, where the quality work products of stellar producers and seasoned independent journalists are produced and featured. Our media platform, by using its resources (from IT to editorial and social media management), will showcase these untapped quality productions on one visible, well-managed and hourly updated stage.
WHO
We have put in place our first-tier editors, journalists and producers with unmatched talent, reputations, experience and track records. In the next few weeks I will announce our first-tier associates and partners. We have world-wide-recognized independent investigative journalists; each with 25+ years of experience. We have talented and passionate producers for our video and podcast programs. We just brought on board our seasoned communication and PR specialist. And we have our first-tier analysts and authors with original and independent voices. We are still working on recruiting technical and managerial skills.
I know many of you are anxious to learn more. I know you want to know the names. I am not being a teaser. Really. I am just sticking with our agreed-upon schedule, so I appreciate your understanding and patience. With that said, rest assured our BFP family of producers and partners will remain with us in our new home.
How
We are planning to use a major crowdfunding campaign to raise the needed funds to set up, launch and become fully operational. The funds will be used for:
Web Development, IT & Studio (Hardware/Software & Furniture)
Journalists, Analysts, Producers & Columnists (FT & PT)
Editors, Technical-Managerial & Support Staff (FT & PT)
HQ Office, Travel Budget, Logistics & Services
After this initial set-up stage, based on our established track record and viewers’ support, we will utilize two strategies to acquire funds to sustain and expand operations: 1-A nominal subscription fee for extra services and products such as weekly newsletters and participation in forums, exclusive monthly videos, and participation in weekly live conferences; 2- Bi-annual fundraising.
Those who have been searching for a truly independent alternative model, without having to compromise reliability, consistency and quality, are given this opportunity to make this a reality. They will commit to investing in and supporting this needed project without risk. If the crowdfunding campaign fails to reach its objective they will get their money back - 100%. If on the other hand, as we expect, this fundraising goal is achieved and the project becomes operational, they will get what they’ve never had: A truly independent and comprehensive alternative media network with integrity and high-quality content.
In the next few weeks I will have more, much more, for you. We’ll share our logo and new domain name with you. We’ll begin releasing the names and backgrounds of our first-tier partners. We’ll announce our key crowdfunding channels. And after that we’ll begin our intense activities while counting-down towards our crowdfunding launch date.
Meanwhile, we would love to hear from all of you. Are you excited about this truly ambitious goal? Do you support the concept? Will you join us in our campaign to raise awareness and activate other supporters? Do you have any suggestions and ideas? You know what I’m asking here: I want ‘YOU’ and ‘Your Ideas,’ and ‘Your’ support and participation.
With this initial announcement we are launching our support recruitment. Those of you who are interested in our objective, who would like to receive updates and join us in our campaign to raise awareness and activate other like-minded parties, please take a few seconds and fill out our form (with your privacy 100% guaranteed), and join our e-mail list. I’ll have the link posted with this episode at BFP.
Now it’s time to wrap up. Thank you for joining me on this special edition of Probable Cause. I am looking forward to your responses, questions and all your comments. Please fill out our form via the provided link and join our campaign. I’ll be back soon to pick up where we left off. So long; and until then.
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Sibel Edmonds is editor and publisher of BFP Report, founder and president of the National Security Whistleblowers Coalition (NSWBC), and author of the acclaimed book Classified Woman: The Sibel Edmonds Story, and The Lone Gladio, a Political Spy Thriller. . She is the recipient of the 2006 PEN/Newman’s Own First Amendment Award. Ms. Edmonds is a certified linguist, fluent in four languages, and has an MA in public policy from George Mason University and a BA in criminal justice and psychology from George Washington University.