UCC Media Justice Ministry
@uccmediajustice.org
The United Church of Christ's media justice ministry founded in 1959. Faithful advocacy for communications rights. | uccmediajustice.org
The checks and balances meant to protect our civil and human rights are disappearing.
@unitedchurch.bsky.social's General Minister and President / Chief Executive Officer Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson writes about what this moment during Black History Month demands of us:
@unitedchurch.bsky.social's General Minister and President / Chief Executive Officer Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson writes about what this moment during Black History Month demands of us:
Righteous Indignation
It is not easy to dismiss the disquietude that sets in watching the events unfolding in the United States. The range of emotional response to the
ucc.org
February 14, 2026 at 6:34 PM
The checks and balances meant to protect our civil and human rights are disappearing.
@unitedchurch.bsky.social's General Minister and President / Chief Executive Officer Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson writes about what this moment during Black History Month demands of us:
@unitedchurch.bsky.social's General Minister and President / Chief Executive Officer Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson writes about what this moment during Black History Month demands of us:
UCC Media Justice joined @civilrightsorg.bsky.social and 25+ civil rights orgs in an urgent letter to the Senate Homeland Security Committee: DHS has built exactly the surveillance state Congress tried to prevent. 🧵
February 13, 2026 at 7:34 PM
UCC Media Justice joined @civilrightsorg.bsky.social and 25+ civil rights orgs in an urgent letter to the Senate Homeland Security Committee: DHS has built exactly the surveillance state Congress tried to prevent. 🧵
"All I want for Valentine's Day is for you, dear reader, to hold your biometric data close."
Dating apps are becoming surveillance tools. Dr. Reagan Nicole explains the connections between Match Group, facial recognition, and government surveillance @revivallab.bsky.social:
Dating apps are becoming surveillance tools. Dr. Reagan Nicole explains the connections between Match Group, facial recognition, and government surveillance @revivallab.bsky.social:
Capture Hearts, Not Data
By Dr. Reagan Nicole Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and, if you’re single, you may be tempted to download (or re-download) a dating app to meet someone new. If you decide to turn to online…
therevivallab.org
February 13, 2026 at 4:09 PM
"All I want for Valentine's Day is for you, dear reader, to hold your biometric data close."
Dating apps are becoming surveillance tools. Dr. Reagan Nicole explains the connections between Match Group, facial recognition, and government surveillance @revivallab.bsky.social:
Dating apps are becoming surveillance tools. Dr. Reagan Nicole explains the connections between Match Group, facial recognition, and government surveillance @revivallab.bsky.social:
Reposted by UCC Media Justice Ministry
🧠 This week, in her "On My Mind Today" blog, Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, GMP/CEO of UCC, responds to the overtly racist images of President Barack & Michelle Obama publicly shared by President Trump on official government social media channels.
👉🏾 Full post: https://ow.ly/zRPz50Ycwop
👉🏾 Full post: https://ow.ly/zRPz50Ycwop
February 10, 2026 at 10:01 PM
🧠 This week, in her "On My Mind Today" blog, Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, GMP/CEO of UCC, responds to the overtly racist images of President Barack & Michelle Obama publicly shared by President Trump on official government social media channels.
👉🏾 Full post: https://ow.ly/zRPz50Ycwop
👉🏾 Full post: https://ow.ly/zRPz50Ycwop
The Washington Post cut a third of its staff. Newsrooms are shrinking everywhere — and at the same time, massive mergers like Nexstar/TEGNA are consolidating what's left.
When newsrooms shrink, communities lose the reporting that holds power accountable when we need it most.
When newsrooms shrink, communities lose the reporting that holds power accountable when we need it most.
Washington Post lays off one-third of its newsroom
Sports coverage, international, metro and the paper's podcast are among those hit the hardest as the storied newspaper cuts back amid declining revenue.
buff.ly
February 10, 2026 at 2:46 PM
The Washington Post cut a third of its staff. Newsrooms are shrinking everywhere — and at the same time, massive mergers like Nexstar/TEGNA are consolidating what's left.
When newsrooms shrink, communities lose the reporting that holds power accountable when we need it most.
When newsrooms shrink, communities lose the reporting that holds power accountable when we need it most.
Local media ownership is a democracy issue. The proposed Nexstar/TEGNA merger would reach 80% of US homes — far beyond the 39% congressional cap — and violate FCC rules in 23 markets. 🧵 buff.ly/rpH5zpd
Locally controlled media matters more than ever in chaotic times
Just as Everett Parker established the public's right to be heard in the 1960s, we are making the legal argument today that the FCC must listen to the people.
uccmediajustice.org
February 6, 2026 at 4:37 PM
Local media ownership is a democracy issue. The proposed Nexstar/TEGNA merger would reach 80% of US homes — far beyond the 39% congressional cap — and violate FCC rules in 23 markets. 🧵 buff.ly/rpH5zpd
Don Lemon and Georgia Fort were arrested for documenting a protest.
Black journalists have always been targeted for bearing witness. That's not new. But the federal government doing it so openly should alarm everyone who cares about a free press.
Black journalists have always been targeted for bearing witness. That's not new. But the federal government doing it so openly should alarm everyone who cares about a free press.
Alarmed L.A. Mayor Moves to Aid Black Journos - journal-isms.com
Bass Meets with Officials, Media Reps After Arrests
buff.ly
February 6, 2026 at 1:37 PM
Don Lemon and Georgia Fort were arrested for documenting a protest.
Black journalists have always been targeted for bearing witness. That's not new. But the federal government doing it so openly should alarm everyone who cares about a free press.
Black journalists have always been targeted for bearing witness. That's not new. But the federal government doing it so openly should alarm everyone who cares about a free press.
We asked the FCC to reject the Nexstar-Tegna merger. 28 organizations have joined us.
265 TV stations under one company isn't local news. It's media consolidation.
The FCC should say no.
265 TV stations under one company isn't local news. It's media consolidation.
The FCC should say no.
More Than Two Dozen Groups Tell FCC to Reject Nexstar-Tegna Deal
Public interest groups, labor unions and civil rights organizations sent a letter backing Free Press FCC filing opposing the deal
buff.ly
February 5, 2026 at 10:17 PM
We asked the FCC to reject the Nexstar-Tegna merger. 28 organizations have joined us.
265 TV stations under one company isn't local news. It's media consolidation.
The FCC should say no.
265 TV stations under one company isn't local news. It's media consolidation.
The FCC should say no.
AI systems can discriminate at scale.
A new report from @civilrightsorg.bsky.social's Center for Civil Rights and Technology explains why "disparate impact" law is critical: it lets us challenge systems that appear neutral but produce discriminatory outcomes.
This protection is under attack.
A new report from @civilrightsorg.bsky.social's Center for Civil Rights and Technology explains why "disparate impact" law is critical: it lets us challenge systems that appear neutral but produce discriminatory outcomes.
This protection is under attack.
Disparate Impact
As AI’s role grows in decisions that affect our rights and opportunities, it is imperative that the technology be fair and nondiscriminatory.
civilrights.org
February 5, 2026 at 1:37 PM
AI systems can discriminate at scale.
A new report from @civilrightsorg.bsky.social's Center for Civil Rights and Technology explains why "disparate impact" law is critical: it lets us challenge systems that appear neutral but produce discriminatory outcomes.
This protection is under attack.
A new report from @civilrightsorg.bsky.social's Center for Civil Rights and Technology explains why "disparate impact" law is critical: it lets us challenge systems that appear neutral but produce discriminatory outcomes.
This protection is under attack.
The Supreme Court could allow the President to fire agency leaders simply for disagreeing with him.
If the FCC loses its independence, we lose our voice.
Bhawna Motwoni, J.D. candidate and Technology Law and Policy Scholar @georgetownlaw.bsky.social, breaks it down on our blog:
If the FCC loses its independence, we lose our voice.
Bhawna Motwoni, J.D. candidate and Technology Law and Policy Scholar @georgetownlaw.bsky.social, breaks it down on our blog:
The Supreme Court and the future of agency independence
Under current law, commissioners at independent federal agencies serve fixed terms and can be removed by the President only "for cause." These protections have been upheld by SCOTUS, as designed by…
buff.ly
February 4, 2026 at 2:40 PM
The Supreme Court could allow the President to fire agency leaders simply for disagreeing with him.
If the FCC loses its independence, we lose our voice.
Bhawna Motwoni, J.D. candidate and Technology Law and Policy Scholar @georgetownlaw.bsky.social, breaks it down on our blog:
If the FCC loses its independence, we lose our voice.
Bhawna Motwoni, J.D. candidate and Technology Law and Policy Scholar @georgetownlaw.bsky.social, breaks it down on our blog:
Far-right propaganda is spreading through social media. AI-generated disinfo floods our feeds.
@waccglobal.bsky.social calls for a "whole-of-society approach": media literacy, civic engagement, platform accountability, shared responsibility.
Democracy requires it.
@waccglobal.bsky.social calls for a "whole-of-society approach": media literacy, civic engagement, platform accountability, shared responsibility.
Democracy requires it.
WACC | Trust, civic engagement, and shared responsibility in the digital age
buff.ly
February 3, 2026 at 6:41 PM
Far-right propaganda is spreading through social media. AI-generated disinfo floods our feeds.
@waccglobal.bsky.social calls for a "whole-of-society approach": media literacy, civic engagement, platform accountability, shared responsibility.
Democracy requires it.
@waccglobal.bsky.social calls for a "whole-of-society approach": media literacy, civic engagement, platform accountability, shared responsibility.
Democracy requires it.
Big Tech is experimenting on our children. As people of faith, we are deeply concerned that technology could treat the loss of a child's life as merely the cost of doing business.
Important new report from @publiccitizen.bsky.social:
Important new report from @publiccitizen.bsky.social:
Counterfeit Companionship: Big Tech's AI Experiments Sacrifice Safety for Profit - Public Citizen
Public Citizen
www.citizen.org
February 2, 2026 at 1:44 PM
Big Tech is experimenting on our children. As people of faith, we are deeply concerned that technology could treat the loss of a child's life as merely the cost of doing business.
Important new report from @publiccitizen.bsky.social:
Important new report from @publiccitizen.bsky.social:
After the FCC reversed price caps on prison phone and video calls last year, incarcerated people in Missouri are now choosing between staying connected to family and buying toothpaste.
Communication is a fundamental human need. #PhoneJustice
Communication is a fundamental human need. #PhoneJustice
An About-Face on Phone Call Prices in Missouri Prisons
After lowering the cost to make calls, the state prison system reversed course.
buff.ly
January 30, 2026 at 3:46 PM
After the FCC reversed price caps on prison phone and video calls last year, incarcerated people in Missouri are now choosing between staying connected to family and buying toothpaste.
Communication is a fundamental human need. #PhoneJustice
Communication is a fundamental human need. #PhoneJustice
Reposted by UCC Media Justice Ministry
Today Rev. Michael Neuroth (Director of the UCC Office of Public Policy & Advocacy) was arrested alongside dozens of faith leaders demanding the Senate stop additional funding for ICE.
Thank you, Rev. Neuroth, and all the clergy who chose to #PrayWithYourFeet today!
Thank you, Rev. Neuroth, and all the clergy who chose to #PrayWithYourFeet today!
January 29, 2026 at 9:25 PM
Today Rev. Michael Neuroth (Director of the UCC Office of Public Policy & Advocacy) was arrested alongside dozens of faith leaders demanding the Senate stop additional funding for ICE.
Thank you, Rev. Neuroth, and all the clergy who chose to #PrayWithYourFeet today!
Thank you, Rev. Neuroth, and all the clergy who chose to #PrayWithYourFeet today!
"Now is the time to go back out into the world and resume rewriting the script."
Our 2025 Parker Award recipient Brandi Collins-Dexter spent her life fighting for media that serves all of us.
@revivallab.bsky.social — her final project — will carry that work forward.
Our 2025 Parker Award recipient Brandi Collins-Dexter spent her life fighting for media that serves all of us.
@revivallab.bsky.social — her final project — will carry that work forward.
Brandi's Dream
Brandi Collins-Dexter didn’t take to public speaking naturally. She was an introvert, and early in her career, Brandi used to workshop press quotes and speeches with me. I cherished those moments and…
buff.ly
January 29, 2026 at 9:09 PM
"Now is the time to go back out into the world and resume rewriting the script."
Our 2025 Parker Award recipient Brandi Collins-Dexter spent her life fighting for media that serves all of us.
@revivallab.bsky.social — her final project — will carry that work forward.
Our 2025 Parker Award recipient Brandi Collins-Dexter spent her life fighting for media that serves all of us.
@revivallab.bsky.social — her final project — will carry that work forward.
Palantir built ICE a tool called "ELITE" that maps neighborhoods to raid. When technology is weaponized to track, target, and tear apart families, we must speak out. Digital rights are civil rights.
‘ELITE’: The Palantir App ICE Uses to Find Neighborhoods to Raid
Internal ICE material and testimony from an official obtained by 404 Media provides the clearest link yet between the technological infrastructure Palantir is building for ICE and the agency’s…
buff.ly
January 29, 2026 at 2:28 PM
Palantir built ICE a tool called "ELITE" that maps neighborhoods to raid. When technology is weaponized to track, target, and tear apart families, we must speak out. Digital rights are civil rights.
Reposted by UCC Media Justice Ministry
Tomorrow, January 29th, at 9:00 AM ET, people of faith from across the country are gathering in Washington D.C. to pray with our feet and take bold, moral action.
▷ RSVP here: ow.ly/KsNp50Y4RY9
▷ RSVP here: ow.ly/KsNp50Y4RY9
January 28, 2026 at 3:41 PM
Tomorrow, January 29th, at 9:00 AM ET, people of faith from across the country are gathering in Washington D.C. to pray with our feet and take bold, moral action.
▷ RSVP here: ow.ly/KsNp50Y4RY9
▷ RSVP here: ow.ly/KsNp50Y4RY9
Minneapolis is under siege. Our clergy are on the ground. And we will not be silent.
Read Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson's statement and prayer for @unitedchurch.bsky.social:
Read Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson's statement and prayer for @unitedchurch.bsky.social:
'It is time to return peace to our nation's cities:' Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson issues statement and prayer following 2nd fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis - United Church of Christ
The Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, United Church of Christ General Minister and President/CEO has issued a special statement and prayer following today's
ucc.org
January 28, 2026 at 6:07 PM
Minneapolis is under siege. Our clergy are on the ground. And we will not be silent.
Read Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson's statement and prayer for @unitedchurch.bsky.social:
Read Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson's statement and prayer for @unitedchurch.bsky.social:
We stand with Commissioner Gomez in decrying this attack on low-income people by the FCC. After the Affordable Connectivity Program ran out of money, only Lifeline is there to pick up the slack.
At a time when millions of families are already struggling with the rising cost of living, the FCC should be focused on making connectivity more affordable.
Instead, it is erecting new barriers that risk raising phone and internet bills for the people who can least afford it. 🧵
Instead, it is erecting new barriers that risk raising phone and internet bills for the people who can least afford it. 🧵
January 27, 2026 at 10:02 PM
We stand with Commissioner Gomez in decrying this attack on low-income people by the FCC. After the Affordable Connectivity Program ran out of money, only Lifeline is there to pick up the slack.
Reposted by UCC Media Justice Ministry
🕯️🙏🏾 The Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, United Church of Christ General Minister and President/CEO has issued a special statement and prayer following today’s fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis.
https://ow.ly/Qtn650Y31PF
https://ow.ly/Qtn650Y31PF
'It is time to return peace to our nation's cities:' Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson issues statement and prayer following 2nd fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis - United Church of Christ
The Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, United Church of Christ General Minister and President/CEO has issued a special statement and prayer following today's
ow.ly
January 25, 2026 at 4:05 AM
🕯️🙏🏾 The Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, United Church of Christ General Minister and President/CEO has issued a special statement and prayer following today’s fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis.
https://ow.ly/Qtn650Y31PF
https://ow.ly/Qtn650Y31PF
The news is overwhelming. Before you post, pause. Here are 6 tips for practicing digital discernment when emotions run high, and read all of our #KnowPeaceOnline resources at knowpeace.online.
January 21, 2026 at 7:30 PM
The news is overwhelming. Before you post, pause. Here are 6 tips for practicing digital discernment when emotions run high, and read all of our #KnowPeaceOnline resources at knowpeace.online.
The FCC promised to cut prison phone rates by more than half. Then they rolled it back. In Wisconsin, incarcerated people are still paying 15-19 cents/minute to call their families — costs that strain relationships and force impossible choices.
This is why we sued the agency.
This is why we sued the agency.
Rollback of cost relief for calls from jail leaves incarcerated Wisconsinites paying more • Wisconsin Examiner
In 2024, the FCC voted for new rules to lower how much calls from prisons and jails could cost. But a 2025 rollback raised prices again
buff.ly
January 20, 2026 at 1:37 PM
The FCC promised to cut prison phone rates by more than half. Then they rolled it back. In Wisconsin, incarcerated people are still paying 15-19 cents/minute to call their families — costs that strain relationships and force impossible choices.
This is why we sued the agency.
This is why we sued the agency.
Reposted by UCC Media Justice Ministry
🙌🏾 "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
-The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, GMP/CEO, UCC shares a message encouraging all of us to honor Dr. King's legacy by continuing to work toward a #JustWorldForAll.
📺 https://ow.ly/6cuJ50XZCEY
-The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, GMP/CEO, UCC shares a message encouraging all of us to honor Dr. King's legacy by continuing to work toward a #JustWorldForAll.
📺 https://ow.ly/6cuJ50XZCEY
Martin Luther King Jr. Day - a Message from Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
ow.ly
January 19, 2026 at 1:49 PM
🙌🏾 "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
-The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, GMP/CEO, UCC shares a message encouraging all of us to honor Dr. King's legacy by continuing to work toward a #JustWorldForAll.
📺 https://ow.ly/6cuJ50XZCEY
-The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, GMP/CEO, UCC shares a message encouraging all of us to honor Dr. King's legacy by continuing to work toward a #JustWorldForAll.
📺 https://ow.ly/6cuJ50XZCEY
The history of UCC Media Justice began with a meeting between Dr. King and our founder, Rev. Dr. Everett C. Parker.
Today, on Dr. Parker’s 113th birthday, we honor both legacies and recommit to the fight for media justice.
Today, on Dr. Parker’s 113th birthday, we honor both legacies and recommit to the fight for media justice.
January 17, 2026 at 1:45 PM
The history of UCC Media Justice began with a meeting between Dr. King and our founder, Rev. Dr. Everett C. Parker.
Today, on Dr. Parker’s 113th birthday, we honor both legacies and recommit to the fight for media justice.
Today, on Dr. Parker’s 113th birthday, we honor both legacies and recommit to the fight for media justice.
ICYMI: We sued the FCC in December over their vote to reverse fair rate caps for prison phone and video calls that Congress mandated through the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act.
The decision will cost families hundreds of millions of dollars more each year.
The decision will cost families hundreds of millions of dollars more each year.
UCC Media Justice Sues FCC Over Prison Phone Rate Decision
Last week, UCC Media Justice filed a petition for review in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, asking the court to find the FCC's order unlawful.
buff.ly
January 16, 2026 at 2:05 PM
ICYMI: We sued the FCC in December over their vote to reverse fair rate caps for prison phone and video calls that Congress mandated through the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act.
The decision will cost families hundreds of millions of dollars more each year.
The decision will cost families hundreds of millions of dollars more each year.