This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac" features a conversation with members of the anarchist media collective "It's Going Down" (IGD). They discuss the evolution of anarchist media, the challenges of operating in a digital landscape dominated by social media, and the importance of grounding media projects in real-world action and community building.

Reflecting on a Decade of Anarchist Media

The conversation begins by tracing the origins of IGD back to the insurrectionist anarchist movement that gained prominence around a decade prior to the recording of the episode. The participants note that IGD emerged from a community of individuals who were actively involved in both direct action and media production, fostering a strong connection between the platform and the broader anarchist movement. They contrast this with other anarchist media models, such as open submission platforms where content is less curated or publications with a more static editorial process, highlighting IGD's unique position within the anarchist media ecosystem.

The Pitfalls of Social Media-First Organizing

A key theme of the discussion is the limitations of social media as a primary tool for organizing and building movements. The participants argue that social media can foster a sense of detachment and abstraction, leading to conversations that are more focused on theoretical debates and online identities than on concrete action and real-world relationships. They point to the proliferation of short-lived, social media-driven initiatives that often lack the depth and sustained engagement necessary for meaningful change.

The conversation critiques the tendency to prioritize the "aesthetics of the result" over the often tedious and unglamorous work of building relationships, organizing logistics, and engaging in sustained struggle. The participants emphasize that relying solely on social media to mobilize people for actions without the groundwork of community building and long-term organizing often leads to fleeting bursts of activity that dissipate quickly. They argue that the current generation of activists is confronting the limits of social media organizing, particularly in the wake of the George Floyd rebellion and the subsequent decline in street protests.

The Value of Localism and Grounded Action

The participants advocate for a shift away from social media-centric approaches towards a model that prioritizes localism, grounded action, and the cultivation of meaningful relationships outside of the digital realm. They highlight the importance of regional counter-information sites and media projects that are deeply embedded within specific communities, serving as hubs for information sharing, analysis, and the development of local strategies.

They suggest that these localized initiatives can provide the necessary context and material grounding for conversations about tactics, strategies, and political analysis, allowing for a more nuanced and effective approach to organizing. They also stress the importance of face-to-face interaction and offline relationship building, emphasizing that these connections form the bedrock of resilient and sustainable movements.

Building a Left Media Ecosystem: Beyond Social Media

The discussion then turns to the broader question of building a left media ecosystem that can effectively challenge the dominance of corporate media and reach wider audiences. The participants explore various strategies, such as breaking into mainstream media outlets, utilizing radio and alternative streaming platforms, and creating content that resonates with audiences who are disillusioned with both corporate media and the existing political establishment.

They acknowledge the challenges of competing with well-funded right-wing media networks that have mastered the art of manipulating algorithms and exploiting online platforms. However, they also highlight the unique strengths of radica