As these words are posted, we're now about 48 hours away from the FCC hearing, and the festivities that are bound to ensue.

The jockeying for position is underway, both by the Evil Empire and by the Rebel Alliance. The corporate media, true to form, has given the issue almost no pre-coverage of the event, even though there's a good chance the corporate types will be there to cover the festivities after the fact. (If you can call what will ensue "coverage".) However, there almost certainly be better after-the-fact coverage from other corners on the issue.

Nevertheless, there has been considerable ongoing grassroots publicity efforts and considerable word-of-mouth notice about the hearing. Submitted for your approval:

* Flyer distribution: Flyers both by CMA and by the Stop Big Media coalition are being posted and distributed across the city.

* Radio PSA coverage: At least five Chicago-area radio stations -- WLUW, WZRD, WHPK, WCPT, and WBEZ -- have been airing versions of this public service announcement, and providing additional coverage to boot.

* Video and Television coverage: CAN TV has been airing their own PSAs, along with other films about the hearing.

* Newspaper advertisements: At least a half-dozen are slated to run ads this week. If the Tribune airs one, I'll eat the computer I'm using to type these words.

* Training workshops: An unprecedented five training workshops are being, and have been, held this week -- the most preceding any of the official pre-hearings.

My, it's come a long way from the time when it was a struggle just to explain people about the issue. Well, frankly it's still a struggle, but the hard battle has been won -- it's now a thinkable issue. So let's take the next step on Thursday. (UPDATE: If the announced panel lineup is any indication, this could be a positive hearing.)

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