Mainstream media has largely ignored two recent events that would have attracted sustained media attention in the past. Half a million Hispanics and other protesters flooded the streets of LA while in France a staggering three million protesters confronted the authorities. These protests occurred in quick succession but barely rated a mention in the popular press. Activists and analysts have been aware for some time that the independence and impartiality of the mass media has been compromised. Regardless of the magnitude and impact of a specific event, if it is considered to be incompatible with certain interests, it is disregarded.