In conjunction with Make My Vote Count and The Electoral Reform Society, Martin Linton has organised a meeting on electoral reform which is to take place at the House of Commons on Wednesday 11th May. Speakers include Billy Bragg, Polly Toynbee and Martin Linton.
Full details are here
Update: The meeting has been written about on a number of blogs and some of them include quotes from Martin Linton. For a start, take a look at the pieces by Anthony Barnett, Paul Davies and Nosemonkey.
Hi,
I am a fourth year journalism student writing a dissertation on the effect of blogging on political journalism. I would be greatly appreciative if you could take just five minutes and answer the following three questions and perhaps provide a brief background to your weblog.
Thank you so much - Laura Sutherland. (laurasutherland29@msn.com)
(If you can think of anyone else that could help me, it would be great if you forward these questions to them.)
Background
As I am sure you are aware during the past couple of years the alternative format of blogging has become increasingly prominent in the collective consciousness of the mass media. Blogging has made a place for itself as a means of gathering information about and commentating on public and private events. Ex-Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith believes the blogosphere will become a force in Britain as politicians blogs afford them opportunities that the mainstream media often deny. Additionally the impact of 9/11on the blog world accelerated the growth amateur/enthusiast political blogger.
Q1. Both blogs have gained increasing notice and coverage for their role in breaking, shaping or spinning news stories and providing expertise on substantive issues. Are you aware of political journalists utilizing your blog for story tips or information? How far is it your aim to attract the attention of the mass media, if not what is the objective of your blog?
Q2. Journalist Tom Regan suggested that ‘Blogs threaten to expose mainstream journalism at one of its weakest points – its lack of personal contact with its consumers and the sense that mainstream journalism and its practitioners are disconnected from the communities they are supposed to serve. How far would you agree with this statement? Did your blog further promote you in the political sphere?
Q3. Similarly bloggers are not bound by standards of objectivity; most have strong views that they express openly. How accountable would you say blogs are and what reasons would you give for this?