'Digital Disconnect' film mulls internet, capitalism

Are you an internet enthusiast, amazed at its power to do great things? Or are you a skeptic, concerned how the internet is changing the media and society itself?

Whether you fall in one camp or the other — or somewhere in the middle — a powerful new 1-hour documentary film that screens Wednesday, Feb. 27, 6 p.m. at the East Bonner County Library will provide plenty of grist for thought.

The film is “Digital Disconnect: How Capitalism is Turning the internet Against Democracy,” by media scholar Robert McChesney. McChesney relates how the internet has revolutionized all forms of communication – and questions whether it has been the egalitarian platform for thought and information that was envisioned when it all began. Even deeper, McChesney looks at how free market forces have put just five giant, monopolistic companies essentially in control of this transformative technology.

Following the screening there will be a discussion led by Chris Bessler of Keokee, producer of the community web portal, SandpointOnline.com, and a broadcaster on the Morning Show on 88.5 KRFY. The Morning Show will also feature an interview with the film’s author, Robert McChesney, that morning, Feb. 27, at 8 a.m.

The screening is free, and everyone is invited.