Z Communications is a left-wing activist-oriented media group founded in 1986 by Michael Albert and Lydia Sargent. It is, in broad terms, ideologically libertarian socialist, anticapitalist, and heavily influenced by participatory economics, although much of its content is focused on critical commentary of foreign affairs. Its publications include Z Magazine, ZNet, and Z Video.
Publications and organizations
Z Magazine (formerly Zeta) was established in 1987 by two of the co-founders of South End Press, Michael Albert and Lydia Sargent. It is published in print and on-line. Contributors to the magazine include Noam Chomsky, Edward S. Herman, Mike Kuhlenbeck, Jack Rasmas, Paul Street, Patrick Bond and Kevin Zeese. Articles written by Chomsky have been republished in the New Statesman.
Founded in 1995, Z Net (also known as ZNet and Z Communications) is a website with contributors that include Noam Chomsky, Eduardo Galeano, Boris Kagarlitsky, Edward Said, Chris Spannos and Kevin Zeese. John Pilger has described it as one of the best news sources online. Rene Milan of the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies called the site a rich source of information about participism. The site was mentioned in the 2007 film Shooter.
Founded in 1994, Z Media Institute provides classes and other sessions in how to start and produce alternative media, how to better understand media, and how to develop organising skills. The institute has hosted Stephen Shalom presentations on parpolity a number of times.