The Citizen Media Group

Exclusive Interview: Candidates for State Treasurer Democrat James Lewis and Republican Demesia Padilla Speak Out

Candidates for State Treasurer, Democrat James Lewis and Republican Demesia Padilla, both say  restoring public trust is key following the federal case brought against former treasurer Robert Vigil, Michael Montoya and others this year. In this exclusive interview, they explain what made them run and how they will change the scandal-ridden treasurer’s office.

Exclusive Interview: AG Candidates Jim Bibb and Gary King Square Off

Candidates for Attorney General, Republican Jim Bibb and Democrat Gary King, both say the recent
scandal in the State Treasurer’s Office has made fighting public corruption a priority. In this exclusive interview, each explains his strategies to fight corruption and other crimes as the state’s top prosecutor.

Madrid, Wilson Speak Out on Business Issues

In this exclusive interview with the candidates for the New Mexico District 1 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, incumbent Republican Heather Wilson and Democratic challenger Attorney General Patricia Madrid speak out on top business issues.

New Mexico For Sale

The state Republican Party has launched a new blog called New Mexico For Sale that will chronicle public corruption in state government. The site will post articles, police reports and judicial decisions relating to government scandals, indictments, intimidation, cronyism, extortion, voter fraud, negligence, profligate spending, and media bias.

Bunker Buster Test Heads to White Sands

After rejection in Nevada, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency is expected to conduct a chemical explosion early next year at White Sands Missile Range. The experiment, dubbed Divine Strake, is meant to develop “bunker buster” capabilities, but is not a nuclear test. No nuclear materials are involved, says Hans Kristensen with the Federation of American Scientists that also publishes The Nuclear Information Project online.

Services

Executive Director Diane Velasco speaks and teaches workshops to further our educational mission of empowering the public. We continue to add to this list of topics, so feel free to send us your suggestions. Also, topics can be customized to meet your group’s needs.

Speaking and Workshop Topics

“How to be your own p.r. specialist” - Use the media to communicate your message, whether for your business or organization.

“Have your say” - Use the media to start or contribute to the community dialogue. Connect with your community through op-ed pieces, letters to the editor, essays and more.

“Shine” - Find openings in local media to showcase your expertise. It’s easier than you think.

“How to break into print through your local newspaper” - You don’t have to write the Great American Novel to see your name in print.

“Freedom of information - it’s not just for journalists” -- Learn your rights to access state and federal government information. This workshop explains the federal Freedom of Information Act and the state Inspection of Public Records Act. Learn how to find and get the documents you need without (too much) hassle.

“Idealism in the age of Cynicism” - What you do matters. Use the media to tell your story.  (For nonprofits)

Journalism topics:
“Free press = free people” -- journalism and democracy
“Getting past the headlines” -- news literacy
“Trends in American media” - a seismic industry shift is underway

College-level Modules of Instruction

In addition to workshops, Citizen Media Group will contract with colleges and universities to provide modules of practical instruction for students interested in journalism as a profession in the 21st century.

Students can intern with CMG and will be encouraged to put class instruction into practice on their own campuses.

Domestic Violence Deaths Top NM Military Deaths

Domestic violence has claimed more New Mexican lives than the Iraq war over the past three years. So the U.S. Justice Department’s $1.4 million grant to Attorney General Patricia Madrid’s Violence Against Women Division is sorely needed. “This grant will allow my office to work in collaboration with other state agencies and domestic violence organizations to better respond to this silent epidemic,“ Madrid says.