We must fight for our paper

THERE is no doubt whatsoever that the Morning Star plays a unique role in Britain's largely corporate-owned media industry.

Whether I'm almost choking on my tea watching sickly slush on the ITN 6.30pm bulletin, listening to the concerns of the bourgeoisie on the BBC or some stereotypical China-bashing on Channel 4, there is only one reliable source which defends and informs ordinary people.

To mask the big business nature of media, much is made of user interaction and viewers' views, which are often just reactionary emails and texts sent in which echo the messages that we're browbeaten with in the first place.

Morning Star readers and supporters should make their true alternative voices heard, mirroring the tireless work of the people's paper.

The Morning Star is the one paper which is owned by its readers and gives voice to those whom capitalism makes a killing out of. As a Scot, this was brought home to me vividly during this year's STUC, which was only reported in any meaningful way by the Star and excellently, if I may say so.

This display of grass-roots democracy was only deemed newsworthy elsewhere if some professional politician of note happened to grace it with their presence for 30 minutes as a PR stunt.

If we communicate strongly to these outlets about the people's paper, then we are at least challenging their sincerity in wanting feedback.

We know that there's worthy news beyond celeb gossip, state agendas and the latest fads and fashions.

It's time we came out and said so. By phone, letter, email and text, campaign for the people's voice to be heard.

CAILEAN MACAULAY
Glasgow