Digital On Demand

It's never been easier to download or stream audio and video, whether from a service, an aggregator site, or a stand-alone website. Broadband connections—especially at work—lets many people get audio and video quickly. So highly topical releases, such as the Beastie Boys’ new antiwar song, are possible.

Now web-based movies are also going interactive, with oneworldtv.net, where viewers can insert their own video commentary into a movie. It turns audiences into users.

EXAMPLES

Critical Media Literacy in Times of War Interactive media site geared toward critical thinking on the war in Iraq and the war on terrorism by the Department of Teaching and Learning, Viriginia Tech.

OneWorld.net/tv: Debate: War on Terrorism
This project of OneWorld.net showcases collaboratively constructed documentaries. Contributors insert their video commentary where they choose in the story. OneWorldTV's goal is to create a moving-image version of a threaded discussion, fostering "inclusive and participatory communication." This highlighted debate began with War on Terrorism but has shifted focus to the imminent action in Iraq. OneWorld is supported by major foundations.

More Info:
New Channels: Evolving technology puts viewers behind the camera

Konscious
Filmmakers and groups use this site to share their work--for instance, "Peace is Patriotic," or "The World Says No to War." The website, backed by a developer of compression technology, shows "socially aware film/video, music and arts programming...to amplify the voices of independent filmmakers and to link viewers to opportunities for activism and social change."

Modern Television
On this site showcasing the satirical, parodic and reflexive art of San Francisco media artists, the work of video artist Philip D. Patiris (The Iraq Campaign 1991) is showcased.

Beastie Boys
Rap group Beastie Boys wrote "In a World Gone Mad," in protest of war on Iraq and made the download available on their website.

More Info:
Antiwar song, with whimsy

The Capitol Steps
This comedy troupe, also seen in the humor section, has made its satirical sketches available for download on the website.