Joe Farah became involved with Public Access of Indianapolis (PAI) only a few years ago, but he left a lasting positive impact. Well known as a scholar and armed with a quick mind, Joe first made his impact at one of our monthly meetings by giving everyone a crash course on Public Broadcasting and the organization Citizens for An Independent Public Broadcasting. Joe Farah helped PAI develop the New Citizens Watch Series and kicked-off the series with his research into consumerism which included his personal, towering collection of unsolicited holiday mail order catalogues.

In an effort that demonstrated his deep understanding of the importance of an independent media, Joe Farah hosted the program “Common Bonds Radio” on WICR 88.7 FM. Common Bonds Radio sought to highlight progressive solutions to the problems faced by our city, state and country. As a part of Common Bonds Radio, Joe interviewed Robert McChesney when Dr. McChesney was here for PAI’s first Alternative Media Festival in 2002.

Joe Farah had a deep understanding of many issues and often delivered so much information so quickly that it was hard to keep up. On occasion, PAI had a camera rolling when he was speaking. More than one event covered in the PAI online video library featured Joe as a representative of Veterans for Peace. The lecture “Hoosier Fascism During the Interwar Years” is available as part of PAI’s coverage of the 2002 Spirit & Place Festival and gives a good example of Joe’s practice of scholarship.

Joe Farah has been rightly described as a Renaissance man and one who confronted our society’s acceptance of the lies that kill. To hear Joe Farah, visit the Video Library section of PAI’s web site at www.indyaccess.org/video-library/.

Nick Hess is a founding member of Public Access of Indianapolis and works for WCTY, government access TV for Indianapolis and Marion County.