Chapter Two - Democracy in Hackney
In the 2005 general election turnout in the constituency of Hackney South & Shoreditch was 49.7 per cent while in Hackney North & Stoke Newington it was 49.6 per cent. This compares to a London average of 58.2 per cent and a national turnout of 61.3 per cent. These figures indicate that the problem of voter disengagement is more acute in Hackney than in other parts of London and the rest of the UK.
For the most part this disengagement can be attributed to the profile of the community in the borough. Those groups who are nationally less likely to vote; the young, the poor, and ethnic minority groups are all over represented when compared to the national average.
Also many of the issues that have been discussed more broadly in the opening chapter apply specifically to Hackney. The Labour Party is the dominant political force in the East End of London but this does not, and never has, equated with general popularity.
Poverty, caused mainly by the lack of employment in these areas of London, has often led to the development of cultures which are independent of traditional political systems. The harsh realities of life induce people to develop independent survival mechanisms relying on their own initiative and communal support. Direct action in support of a particular issue or to address a particular grievance is possible but long term support for political parties is, and never has been, a reality in East London.
In addition, political activity in the East End was for most of the past century dominated by activists within the trade union movement. This created a conservative Labour Party keen to protect the status quo for trade union members and not really geared to representing those who were economically disenfranchised. It also created a party dominated by white skilled or semi-skilled manual male workers. The Labour party was therefore unable to effectively represent many of its constituents in East London, including Hackney, more so in times of particular need in the 1920s and 1980s. This problem of being unable to represent the weakest in society persists to this day with East London MPs complaining that their, “local constituency general committee was almost always male, mainly retired industrial workers and mostly councillors.”
The fact that the apparent strength of the Labour Party in East London does not extend to committed support in the community was clearly exposed by the victory of George Galloway in Bethnal Green and Bow in the 2005 general election. The ability of Liberal Democrats, Conservatives, British National Party, Green, and Respect politicians to make inroads on local councils adds to the evidence in support of this point.
The issue of whether MPs can really represent their constituents, or whether they are there to represent their party’s interests, is one of particular concern for MPs in East London. These MPs are under intense pressure to help alleviate social problems but feel unable to really affect policy in Westminster. They are torn between a desire to help constituents and a desire to maintain a stable party and Government.
In the end, despite throwing all their energies into case work, the MPs in the area concede that party considerations, both locally and at Westminster, frequently win out over constituents’ needs. Moreover, for the most part dealing with constituency case work is frequently a matter of directing the constituent to the relevant local authority responsible for dealing with the issue or, alternatively, explaining a decision or policy. The ability of MPs to affect change is negligible.
The political system militates against MPs being effective voices for their constituents. They feel that with the level of Parliamentary majorities that Labour has enjoyed, the increasing use of opinion polls and direct consultation by Government, their role is being undermined and becoming less relevant.
In East London, political communications would appear not to be the main cause of voter engagement. Rather, the primary cause lies in the structure of Parliamentary democracy and political parties in the UK coupled with Government’s growing reliance on other sources of consultation. This is undermining the position of local politicians, particularly MPs. These factors tie in with the issues raised in the previous chapter which discussed potential structural reasons for disengagement.
In constituencies like Hackney South & Shoreditch and Hackney North & Stoke Newington, the near impossibility of effectively representing constituents with such a variety of cultures, ethnic groups and religions, and economic and social differences is compounded. The inability of the Labour party to effectively represent the diverse people of East London is not a modern feature. A Hackney Council survey published in December 1965 found that 71 per cent of what were then termed ‘coloured migrants’ did not vote. Low turnout at election time has been a feature throughout the 20th Century.
The case for media malaise affecting the turnout in East London in view of the history of politics in the area is difficult to make. This supports the earlier conclusion that political communications techniques developed over the last 25 years may have had an impact on voter turnout but are unlikely to be the main cause of disillusionment. It was, as has been argued elsewhere, the heightened ideological debate surrounding the Cold War that had created unnaturally high levels of turnout, and that pre Great War voting figures will over the long term prove to be the norm. Once again, reference to the recent results in the French Presidential elections indicate, that political apathy can quickly be overcome when the need, or perceived need, arises.
Tackling these issues is a complex, if not impossible challenge. Electoral reform, reform of the structure of political parties, reform of the way Westminster operates could all play a part. These possibilities, which have occasionally been discussed at a national level also trouble, perhaps to a greater extent, MPs in East London. Some, or all, of the reforms that have, and still are being discussed, may be desirable and may create a better democracy. But, the fact is that any real substantive changes are unlikely to happen any time soon.
If reform is unlikely, then the role of political communication once again assumes importance. Being able to connect with voters, to explain to them what a representative democracy can achieve for them, and what its limitations are, could help increase participation.
Perhaps the use of new media technologies, used in a local context, and in particular in those areas with particular issues of long term political disengagement could provide a partial solution. They could play a part in educating and integrating local populations in the nature, effectiveness and limitations of the UK’s parliamentary representative democracy. Whether the targets of this communication would have access to the technology needed to receive it is of course debatable. However, falling costs of purchasing and using mobile and Internet technologies, as well the latter’s wide availability in schools and community centres, is greatly facilitating access.
The area around Hackney also faces its own particular issue, namely the transient nature of its youthful population due to large student and immigrant populations. From the late 19th Century, East London was the first port of call for Jewish and Irish immigrants. In the 20th Century these were followed by immigrants from the Caribbean in the 1950s, from Turkey and the Indian sub-continent and from West Africa in the 1970s.
The arrival of new migrants coupled with the departure of older populations either by choice, through upward social mobility, or as a consequence of housing policies of the 1980s, has always brought with it issues of integration. New arrivals, even if they are English speaking, generally are not aware of the way British politics works, do not empathise with the political parties, and are too concerned with issues of establishing themselves and building a life rather than the somewhat remote deliberations of Westminster.
Immigrants are far more likely to turn to religious organisations, with which they have a connection going back to their countries of origin rather than to political parties. Calls to political action may more easily succeed when based around a religious and ethnic identity rather than a political ideology based on traditional British political discourse. This tendency to find representation and a sense of belonging in religion has most recently manifested itself in the rise in attendance at Catholic Churches following the influx from Eastern Europe after the 2004 expansion of the European Union.
That East London has been the first place of settlement for migrants over the years is a fact, and it is safe to assume that new arrivals will not immediately be concerned with party politics. This, together with the structural issues discussed above means that high voter turnout in Hackney is unlikely under any circumstances. However, some communities, including those with Caribbean or West African origins have been established in some cases for fifty years or more and yet still do not really engage with the political process.
For these communities, the structural problems associated with how politicians can effectively represent them, based on their economic conditions and the system of parliamentary democracy in the UK, should be viewed as the main cause of their disengagement. It is to address these more established communities whose political disengagement can be determined as being long term, that the potential use of new media technologies could prove useful.
Hackney provides an ideal laboratory in which to conduct research about voter engagement. All the issues discussed in Chapter 1 manifest themselves in East London, so much so that a 50 per cent turn out at election might well be judged satisfactory. The debate over the impact of media and political communications may not be directly relevant but as has already been argued, even at national level, this issue has not been the main cause of falling voter turnout.
Instead of focusing on new media technologies as a cure for the perceived negative impact of developments in the media and political communications, they should perhaps be looked at as a way of reaching communities in local areas who have a history of permanent disengagement. New media technologies could provide the channel for real contact between local constituency parties and disenfranchised constituents to be established for the first time.
Sunday 11 November 2007
Monday 5 November 2007
Political Communications & declining electoral participation
CHAPTER ONE
Political Communications and the decline in electoral participation
Is technology an ally of democracy? Or is it its enemy? Do new ways to share information and for citizens to communicate with each other, create a more informed and engaged public? It is tempting to answer yes and for centuries going back to the invention of the flatbed printing press , to the rise of newspapers in the 19th century, it did indeed appear that new ways to spread ideas led to a more informed public and contributed to the creation of freer and more democratic societies. Political communication was, perhaps, something positive.
The twentieth century witnessed dramatic changes in technology which had a revolutionary impact on how politicians communicated with the public. The spread of radio and cinema in the 1920s and 30s, for the first time, allowed party leaders to address entire nations. The need for arduous touring and addressing countless meetings began to ebb away as campaigns became national and more centralised. Political parties saw this as a positive development which would allow political information to reach into every home and therefore contribute to a stronger democracy.
Serious doubts about the beneficial impact of radio and cinema for political communication soon began to surface as the apparent power of these mediums was used, particularly by Josef Goebbels in Nazi Germany, for propaganda. Today many regard the technological developments of the early 20th century as the birth of problems with voter engagement. As national campaigning increasingly dominated over local activities and party leaders began to retreat from the public into broadcasting studios distance began to grow between electors and elected.
The arrival of television and its spread throughout the 1950s and 1960s created yet another new medium which was initially heralded for its potential to create a better informed public and strengthen democracy. Particularly in Europe, where a strong culture of public service broadcasting (PSB) developed, national TV stations were committed to educational, political and cultural programming, as well as to entertaining the audience.
Although European national TV stations did uphold their PSB mission, it is argued that TV also had a negative impact on political communications and democracy. Television led to the rise of image. Audiences increasingly formed their opinions based not on what was being said but on how those saying it looked and the visual context in which they were saying it.
Famously a TV debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon in the run up to the 1960 US Presidential election was judged to have been won by Nixon among those who heard the debate on radio. Due to his unshaven look and sweaty forehead, however, TV viewers judged Nixon to be the loser of the debate.
The art of TV campaigning, which focused on creating images and moods, rather than tackling serious policy issues was perhaps perfected in the 1980s during the Reagan presidency. In Europe, politicians also began to learn the importance of appearance and visual presentation with pioneers such as Gordon Reece and Tim Bell working on Margaret Thatcher’s image. For those who see the new technologies that have developed over the 20th century as having a negative impact on democracy the growth of TV made politicians focus their attention on how they looked and on using brief ‘sound bites’ which would be short on policy detail but ideal for inclusion in the evening news bulletin.
During the 1980s another process began which led to yet another transformation of the media landscape. Privatisation and deregulation swept across Europe and national TV stations which had enjoyed a near monopoly had to adjust in the face of a wave of new competition. The increasing pressure of competition, it is suggested, led to increased emphasis on mass appeal programming and to a reduction in investment in political, educational and cultural programming. Politicians apparently found themselves increasingly pushed out and having to use ever more creative or devious techniques to get themselves heard.
Increasing commercial pressures affected not only TV but all media as globalisation and competition drove radio and newspapers into mergers. This has lead to the creation of a relatively small number of huge, and extremely influential, profit driven media empires such as News Corporation and Time Warner. Within the journalistic community many argue that coverage of politics has suffered greatly in this process. Coverage became increasingly devoted to the more entertaining aspects of scandal and corruption as well as adversarial activities such as Prime Ministers Questions in the UK, while ignoring much of the day to day work in which politicians are involved.
TV and media competition, including the creation of 24 hour rolling news stations have made communication one of the central concerns of any political party. News management or ‘spin’ helps politicians to stay in the news and, as much as possible, in control of their messages. The result, it has been argued, is even more centralised control over political discussion within parties and between parties and the public.
The quality of debate declined and the focus on entertainment and image increased. The need for politicians to maintain their presence in this commercialised and competitive environment also led to the increasing use of opinion polls and focus groups to test and develop policy. This, possibly, has led to politicians becoming followers of public desires rather than leaders.
The need to fill vast amounts of air time has also led to a much greater reliance on input from experts or commentators on whatever is the issue of the day. Opinion and conjecture, in the absence of hard facts, has become an integral part of the news. This has created a situation where what is fact and what is opinion has become increasingly blurred. It has become increasingly difficult for the audience to judge who is right or wrong, who is telling the truth or lying.
Consequently, contend those who believe in the link between developments in the media landscape and voter disengagement, politicians were increasingly made to look corrupt and inefficient by media competing for ratings and advertising revenue. At the same time politicians themselves said less and less about real issues in order to try and control their own image and message in the media. Over the years, the public has become ever more disillusioned with the political process and is increasingly showing that disillusionment by not turning out to vote.
Added to this, it has also been argued that the need to use more sophisticated campaigning tools, including professional public relations (PR) and advertising agencies, has made political parties much more dependent on business interests or wealthy individuals. The resources needed to maintain a political media campaign could, it might be argued, lie at the heart of the ‘cash-for-honours’ scandal which beset Tony Blair’s government during its final months.
Specific issues relating to how the Labour Party in the UK developed its media strategies in the mid-1990s and then took those strategies into Government have also been the subject of endless argument. The powers given to Alastair Campbell as Director of Communications and to Jonathan Powell as Chief of Staff at 10 Downing Street to control the flow and timing of information released to the press, led to accusations that the media management system developed by Labour threatened the impartiality of the civil service and the relevance of Parliament.
Events surrounding the terrorist attacks on the United States of America on 11 September 2001, and the intelligence information published in the build up to the invasion of Iraq in 2003 added much fire to these arguments. Although it is not within the scope of this research to discuss the merits of this debate, it is necessary to highlight the fact that several authors believe that the specific approach adopted by the Labour Party towards news management has directly contributed to growing disaffection with politicians in the UK. Sympathisers of the Government, meanwhile argue that it was forced to adopt this strategy because of the media’s relentless negative view of Labour pre-1994 and the ongoing decline in journalistic standards, caused primarily by the forces of privatisation, deregulation and globalisation.
Although powerful, evidence to support the argument that developments in media and in the relationship between media and politicians has actually contributed to greater voter disengagement, is inconclusive. It does seem that repeated exposure to negative messages about politics has an effect on the public’s attitude to politicians. Other research, however, carried out among those who regularly watch news on TV seems to indicate that the opposite may be true. Those who watch TV news may in fact become better informed and more engaged citizens. The issue of audience fragmentation still raises very serious issues. In theory it creates the possibility that those who are interested in politics search out the information they need and become better informed. Those who are not interested can now avoid politics completely.
Whereas up to the late 1980s anyone watching TV would at some point be faced with news or cultural programming, today that person can simply opt out. Perhaps levels of interest and trust in politics have not really changed, they have just been reinforced by media and audience fragmentation. A growing divide between those who are engaged with politics, and those who are not, and the impact this could potentially have on established democracies, is a cause for concern.
That people can completely avoid news about politics and current affairs seems hard to believe in view of the opportunities provided by radio news updates and the increasing number of free newspapers being distributed. If as has been argued in some quarters, exposure to news actually makes citizens more engaged rather than less, then perhaps our democracy is in a better shape than may at first appear.
Beyond the issues surrounding political communications and the media it is also important to bear in mind the fact that there are many other issues which may be contributing to low voter turn out in Western democracies. These include practical issues such as the procedures relating to registering to vote. These are frequently cited particularly in the United States and in those areas of the UK, like Hackney, where there is a high turnover of population. The fact that in the UK age is the most important factor in determining whether a person votes or not can be attributed to the greater mobility of young people rather than particular disengagement with political issues or politics in general.
There are also deeper structural issues including perhaps greater awareness that an individual’s single vote will probably not affect the overall outcome, and of the relative power of the legislature that is being voted for. Research carried out among MPs in East London, and discussed in the following chapter, highlights that even without the Labour government’s news management strategies, the actual ability of MPs to do anything effective to address their constituents concerns is severely limited.
Related to this is the possibility that the public is now more aware of other ways in which the decision process can be affected particularly through pressure groups. The huge rise in members of particular pressure groups over recent years can be used as evidence that people have not become disengaged with politics. They are just seeking different, and more effective, channels to have their concerns addressed. Again, it is younger people who generally choose to join such groups adding to the evidence which suggests that declining turnout is an issue of effective representation rather than communication. Recent announcements by Gordon Brown on becoming Prime Minister seem to acknowledge that people are looking for different, more effective forms of representation, rather than actually turning off from politics. Low turnout, it can be argued may not be a matter of increasing apathy, but rather the sign of a more thoughtful and sophisticated electorate.
The issue of how effective the current political system is at representing the concerns of voters is further complicated by the increasing complexity of society and of the decisions which politicians need to take. Politics is now a full time profession only open to those who are devoted to it from an early age. This has reduced the variety of backgrounds for MPs making them appear less representative and more remote from voters. Greater ethnic and social diversity may also have increased Parliament’s difficulties in representing the wider public. In this more complex scenario, the selection process of MPs has remained largely unchanged, left in the hands of a small number of local activists who select candidates on the basis of their own interests rather than of the wider community. The First Past The Post (FPTP) electoral system operated in the UK, which means that many votes are wasted, may also contribute to the systemic failure of the British political system to represent society.
The inability of MPs in the current political system to effectively represent their constituents also means that many of those who are socially excluded are unable to have their concerns addressed. This means that the weakest in society are also frequently the least likely to vote. This is a long term, long recognised problem which has been the subject of much research.
The disappearance of clear lines of social division has also removed much of the ideological conflict that may have maintained an unrealistically high turnout in the second half of the twentieth century. The recent turnout in the French Presidential elections would indicate that ideological contention could quickly resurrect turnout in post-industrial societies. Increasing levels of prosperity and education have led to many people developing more specialised interests, both political and social. Perhaps high levels of political party membership in the 1950s were not the result of a particular commitment but due to the fact that there was nothing more exciting to do than attend the local Conservative Party dinner dance.
Aside from all these structural issues on how politics in the UK works and how society has changed, there is also the fact that in 2001 and 2005, the result of the general elections was believed to be a foregone conclusion.
So, where does all this leave the issue of new media in political communications? It has been shown that the development of increasingly professionalised news and media strategies by political parties and the relationship between politicians and media may well have contributed to declining levels of trust in politics and politicians. However, the extent to which these developments have been the primary cause of this disaffection can be strongly contested.
Whether one believes that political disengagement, particularly among young people, is primarily due to media manipulation by politicians or declining standards of journalism, or whether it is due to structural issues within society and the UK’s political system, new media could still potentially play a constructive role. For those who believe in the former new media could provide a tool to verify the claims of politicians, or for politicians to get away from the sound bite and scandal obsessed media. For those who support the latter hypothesis, new media could provide one of the forums in which the political system and the public could reconnect and debate how British democracy might be reformed to make it more representative. Through their interactivity and proliferation, new media technologies potentially lend themselves to this discussion and have already been cited as the determining factor in increasing turnout and the outcome of electoral contests.
Clearly the development of new media based on Internet and mobile technology can only be one part of any solution to debates around the strength and legitimacy of British democracy. However, any new technology has the ability to be a conduit for change, either positive or negative. Young people are the least likely to vote and among the most likely to use new communications technologies. It is therefore worthwhile to examine what the potential of these new technologies is and whether they can contribute at least some part towards creating a better democracy.
Political Communications and the decline in electoral participation
Is technology an ally of democracy? Or is it its enemy? Do new ways to share information and for citizens to communicate with each other, create a more informed and engaged public? It is tempting to answer yes and for centuries going back to the invention of the flatbed printing press , to the rise of newspapers in the 19th century, it did indeed appear that new ways to spread ideas led to a more informed public and contributed to the creation of freer and more democratic societies. Political communication was, perhaps, something positive.
The twentieth century witnessed dramatic changes in technology which had a revolutionary impact on how politicians communicated with the public. The spread of radio and cinema in the 1920s and 30s, for the first time, allowed party leaders to address entire nations. The need for arduous touring and addressing countless meetings began to ebb away as campaigns became national and more centralised. Political parties saw this as a positive development which would allow political information to reach into every home and therefore contribute to a stronger democracy.
Serious doubts about the beneficial impact of radio and cinema for political communication soon began to surface as the apparent power of these mediums was used, particularly by Josef Goebbels in Nazi Germany, for propaganda. Today many regard the technological developments of the early 20th century as the birth of problems with voter engagement. As national campaigning increasingly dominated over local activities and party leaders began to retreat from the public into broadcasting studios distance began to grow between electors and elected.
The arrival of television and its spread throughout the 1950s and 1960s created yet another new medium which was initially heralded for its potential to create a better informed public and strengthen democracy. Particularly in Europe, where a strong culture of public service broadcasting (PSB) developed, national TV stations were committed to educational, political and cultural programming, as well as to entertaining the audience.
Although European national TV stations did uphold their PSB mission, it is argued that TV also had a negative impact on political communications and democracy. Television led to the rise of image. Audiences increasingly formed their opinions based not on what was being said but on how those saying it looked and the visual context in which they were saying it.
Famously a TV debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon in the run up to the 1960 US Presidential election was judged to have been won by Nixon among those who heard the debate on radio. Due to his unshaven look and sweaty forehead, however, TV viewers judged Nixon to be the loser of the debate.
The art of TV campaigning, which focused on creating images and moods, rather than tackling serious policy issues was perhaps perfected in the 1980s during the Reagan presidency. In Europe, politicians also began to learn the importance of appearance and visual presentation with pioneers such as Gordon Reece and Tim Bell working on Margaret Thatcher’s image. For those who see the new technologies that have developed over the 20th century as having a negative impact on democracy the growth of TV made politicians focus their attention on how they looked and on using brief ‘sound bites’ which would be short on policy detail but ideal for inclusion in the evening news bulletin.
During the 1980s another process began which led to yet another transformation of the media landscape. Privatisation and deregulation swept across Europe and national TV stations which had enjoyed a near monopoly had to adjust in the face of a wave of new competition. The increasing pressure of competition, it is suggested, led to increased emphasis on mass appeal programming and to a reduction in investment in political, educational and cultural programming. Politicians apparently found themselves increasingly pushed out and having to use ever more creative or devious techniques to get themselves heard.
Increasing commercial pressures affected not only TV but all media as globalisation and competition drove radio and newspapers into mergers. This has lead to the creation of a relatively small number of huge, and extremely influential, profit driven media empires such as News Corporation and Time Warner. Within the journalistic community many argue that coverage of politics has suffered greatly in this process. Coverage became increasingly devoted to the more entertaining aspects of scandal and corruption as well as adversarial activities such as Prime Ministers Questions in the UK, while ignoring much of the day to day work in which politicians are involved.
TV and media competition, including the creation of 24 hour rolling news stations have made communication one of the central concerns of any political party. News management or ‘spin’ helps politicians to stay in the news and, as much as possible, in control of their messages. The result, it has been argued, is even more centralised control over political discussion within parties and between parties and the public.
The quality of debate declined and the focus on entertainment and image increased. The need for politicians to maintain their presence in this commercialised and competitive environment also led to the increasing use of opinion polls and focus groups to test and develop policy. This, possibly, has led to politicians becoming followers of public desires rather than leaders.
The need to fill vast amounts of air time has also led to a much greater reliance on input from experts or commentators on whatever is the issue of the day. Opinion and conjecture, in the absence of hard facts, has become an integral part of the news. This has created a situation where what is fact and what is opinion has become increasingly blurred. It has become increasingly difficult for the audience to judge who is right or wrong, who is telling the truth or lying.
Consequently, contend those who believe in the link between developments in the media landscape and voter disengagement, politicians were increasingly made to look corrupt and inefficient by media competing for ratings and advertising revenue. At the same time politicians themselves said less and less about real issues in order to try and control their own image and message in the media. Over the years, the public has become ever more disillusioned with the political process and is increasingly showing that disillusionment by not turning out to vote.
Added to this, it has also been argued that the need to use more sophisticated campaigning tools, including professional public relations (PR) and advertising agencies, has made political parties much more dependent on business interests or wealthy individuals. The resources needed to maintain a political media campaign could, it might be argued, lie at the heart of the ‘cash-for-honours’ scandal which beset Tony Blair’s government during its final months.
Specific issues relating to how the Labour Party in the UK developed its media strategies in the mid-1990s and then took those strategies into Government have also been the subject of endless argument. The powers given to Alastair Campbell as Director of Communications and to Jonathan Powell as Chief of Staff at 10 Downing Street to control the flow and timing of information released to the press, led to accusations that the media management system developed by Labour threatened the impartiality of the civil service and the relevance of Parliament.
Events surrounding the terrorist attacks on the United States of America on 11 September 2001, and the intelligence information published in the build up to the invasion of Iraq in 2003 added much fire to these arguments. Although it is not within the scope of this research to discuss the merits of this debate, it is necessary to highlight the fact that several authors believe that the specific approach adopted by the Labour Party towards news management has directly contributed to growing disaffection with politicians in the UK. Sympathisers of the Government, meanwhile argue that it was forced to adopt this strategy because of the media’s relentless negative view of Labour pre-1994 and the ongoing decline in journalistic standards, caused primarily by the forces of privatisation, deregulation and globalisation.
Although powerful, evidence to support the argument that developments in media and in the relationship between media and politicians has actually contributed to greater voter disengagement, is inconclusive. It does seem that repeated exposure to negative messages about politics has an effect on the public’s attitude to politicians. Other research, however, carried out among those who regularly watch news on TV seems to indicate that the opposite may be true. Those who watch TV news may in fact become better informed and more engaged citizens. The issue of audience fragmentation still raises very serious issues. In theory it creates the possibility that those who are interested in politics search out the information they need and become better informed. Those who are not interested can now avoid politics completely.
Whereas up to the late 1980s anyone watching TV would at some point be faced with news or cultural programming, today that person can simply opt out. Perhaps levels of interest and trust in politics have not really changed, they have just been reinforced by media and audience fragmentation. A growing divide between those who are engaged with politics, and those who are not, and the impact this could potentially have on established democracies, is a cause for concern.
That people can completely avoid news about politics and current affairs seems hard to believe in view of the opportunities provided by radio news updates and the increasing number of free newspapers being distributed. If as has been argued in some quarters, exposure to news actually makes citizens more engaged rather than less, then perhaps our democracy is in a better shape than may at first appear.
Beyond the issues surrounding political communications and the media it is also important to bear in mind the fact that there are many other issues which may be contributing to low voter turn out in Western democracies. These include practical issues such as the procedures relating to registering to vote. These are frequently cited particularly in the United States and in those areas of the UK, like Hackney, where there is a high turnover of population. The fact that in the UK age is the most important factor in determining whether a person votes or not can be attributed to the greater mobility of young people rather than particular disengagement with political issues or politics in general.
There are also deeper structural issues including perhaps greater awareness that an individual’s single vote will probably not affect the overall outcome, and of the relative power of the legislature that is being voted for. Research carried out among MPs in East London, and discussed in the following chapter, highlights that even without the Labour government’s news management strategies, the actual ability of MPs to do anything effective to address their constituents concerns is severely limited.
Related to this is the possibility that the public is now more aware of other ways in which the decision process can be affected particularly through pressure groups. The huge rise in members of particular pressure groups over recent years can be used as evidence that people have not become disengaged with politics. They are just seeking different, and more effective, channels to have their concerns addressed. Again, it is younger people who generally choose to join such groups adding to the evidence which suggests that declining turnout is an issue of effective representation rather than communication. Recent announcements by Gordon Brown on becoming Prime Minister seem to acknowledge that people are looking for different, more effective forms of representation, rather than actually turning off from politics. Low turnout, it can be argued may not be a matter of increasing apathy, but rather the sign of a more thoughtful and sophisticated electorate.
The issue of how effective the current political system is at representing the concerns of voters is further complicated by the increasing complexity of society and of the decisions which politicians need to take. Politics is now a full time profession only open to those who are devoted to it from an early age. This has reduced the variety of backgrounds for MPs making them appear less representative and more remote from voters. Greater ethnic and social diversity may also have increased Parliament’s difficulties in representing the wider public. In this more complex scenario, the selection process of MPs has remained largely unchanged, left in the hands of a small number of local activists who select candidates on the basis of their own interests rather than of the wider community. The First Past The Post (FPTP) electoral system operated in the UK, which means that many votes are wasted, may also contribute to the systemic failure of the British political system to represent society.
The inability of MPs in the current political system to effectively represent their constituents also means that many of those who are socially excluded are unable to have their concerns addressed. This means that the weakest in society are also frequently the least likely to vote. This is a long term, long recognised problem which has been the subject of much research.
The disappearance of clear lines of social division has also removed much of the ideological conflict that may have maintained an unrealistically high turnout in the second half of the twentieth century. The recent turnout in the French Presidential elections would indicate that ideological contention could quickly resurrect turnout in post-industrial societies. Increasing levels of prosperity and education have led to many people developing more specialised interests, both political and social. Perhaps high levels of political party membership in the 1950s were not the result of a particular commitment but due to the fact that there was nothing more exciting to do than attend the local Conservative Party dinner dance.
Aside from all these structural issues on how politics in the UK works and how society has changed, there is also the fact that in 2001 and 2005, the result of the general elections was believed to be a foregone conclusion.
So, where does all this leave the issue of new media in political communications? It has been shown that the development of increasingly professionalised news and media strategies by political parties and the relationship between politicians and media may well have contributed to declining levels of trust in politics and politicians. However, the extent to which these developments have been the primary cause of this disaffection can be strongly contested.
Whether one believes that political disengagement, particularly among young people, is primarily due to media manipulation by politicians or declining standards of journalism, or whether it is due to structural issues within society and the UK’s political system, new media could still potentially play a constructive role. For those who believe in the former new media could provide a tool to verify the claims of politicians, or for politicians to get away from the sound bite and scandal obsessed media. For those who support the latter hypothesis, new media could provide one of the forums in which the political system and the public could reconnect and debate how British democracy might be reformed to make it more representative. Through their interactivity and proliferation, new media technologies potentially lend themselves to this discussion and have already been cited as the determining factor in increasing turnout and the outcome of electoral contests.
Clearly the development of new media based on Internet and mobile technology can only be one part of any solution to debates around the strength and legitimacy of British democracy. However, any new technology has the ability to be a conduit for change, either positive or negative. Young people are the least likely to vote and among the most likely to use new communications technologies. It is therefore worthwhile to examine what the potential of these new technologies is and whether they can contribute at least some part towards creating a better democracy.
Sunday 4 November 2007
Introduction
With two days to go before I collect my certificate, I thought i'd start posting the contents of my dissertation.
Here's the introduction. It seems the footnotes which include the referencing don't appear. This is a bit of a pain and something I will try and recitfy so that everyone gets their fair recognition.
This work, of course, belongs to me and to the University of Westminster. Read it, comment on it, refer to it if you think it's useful but don't steal it!
INTRODUCTION
Political engagement in the United Kingdom, especially among young people, has caused growing concern over the past decade. In the 2005 general election turnout among 18 to 24 years olds stood at just 37 per cent.
The reasons put forward for low turnout are many and complex. One issue that has gained much attention during the period of the Blair Labour Government is that of political communications.
A debate has raged over the quality of political debate in the United Kingdom and whether this because of politicians’ attempts to manipulate news or the declining quality of journalism due to various pressures. This perceived decline in the quality of political debate is seen by many in politics and in the media as a primary factor in lower political engagement.
This dissertation aims to analyse whether, and if so to what extent, issues of political communications have had an impact on voter turnout, particularly among young people. It also aims to test the perceptions of different specific groups within society on the potential of new media technologies, particularly Internet based services, to address this problem.
Chapter 1 of this dissertation examines the debate on low levels of political engagement including the issue of whether, or to what extent, how politicians communicate and how the media reports on politics is affecting political engagement.
It concludes that although issues of communication and media are not the most important factor in political disengagement among young people in the United Kingdom, the use of new media in political communications could still have the potential to have a positive impact on democracy.
This will create the context from which to move forward to the main topic to be tackled by this paper. This will be an examination of the perceptions of different groups on what exactly the potential of new media is. How, if at all, can the proliferation of mobile telephony and the Internet be used to engage more people, particularly young people from ethnic minorities, in the political process?
The primary research for this dissertation was conducted in the London borough of Hackney. The borough was chosen for a number of reasons. Firstly, the two constituencies that represent the area both had a turnout of less than 50 per cent in the 2005 general election. Secondly, the population of the borough has a relatively youthful profile.
Chapter 2 will examine issues affecting democracy and political engagement in Hackney. This will establish whether the issues discussed in the first chapter are also relevant in the local context. Chapter 3 gives an overview of the methodology used in the primary research and lists the participants. Three separate groups were surveyed in order to test the perceptions on how new media might be used, and why it might help to address problems of political engagement. These were a group of local councillors, a group of community leaders including representatives from Team Hackney, and a group of young people of Afro Caribbean origin.
All agreed that new media technologies have the potential to strengthen democracy. But significant differences emerged on the particular issues that these technologies could be used to address. These differences were based on the different perceptions of what the causes of disengagement among young people are. The results of the research and their implications are discussed in Chapters 4 and 5.
The final chapter provides a general conclusion together with some recommendations on how new media technologies could be used in political communications to engage more young people and strengthen the democratic process in the United Kingdom.
Here's the introduction. It seems the footnotes which include the referencing don't appear. This is a bit of a pain and something I will try and recitfy so that everyone gets their fair recognition.
This work, of course, belongs to me and to the University of Westminster. Read it, comment on it, refer to it if you think it's useful but don't steal it!
INTRODUCTION
Political engagement in the United Kingdom, especially among young people, has caused growing concern over the past decade. In the 2005 general election turnout among 18 to 24 years olds stood at just 37 per cent.
The reasons put forward for low turnout are many and complex. One issue that has gained much attention during the period of the Blair Labour Government is that of political communications.
A debate has raged over the quality of political debate in the United Kingdom and whether this because of politicians’ attempts to manipulate news or the declining quality of journalism due to various pressures. This perceived decline in the quality of political debate is seen by many in politics and in the media as a primary factor in lower political engagement.
This dissertation aims to analyse whether, and if so to what extent, issues of political communications have had an impact on voter turnout, particularly among young people. It also aims to test the perceptions of different specific groups within society on the potential of new media technologies, particularly Internet based services, to address this problem.
Chapter 1 of this dissertation examines the debate on low levels of political engagement including the issue of whether, or to what extent, how politicians communicate and how the media reports on politics is affecting political engagement.
It concludes that although issues of communication and media are not the most important factor in political disengagement among young people in the United Kingdom, the use of new media in political communications could still have the potential to have a positive impact on democracy.
This will create the context from which to move forward to the main topic to be tackled by this paper. This will be an examination of the perceptions of different groups on what exactly the potential of new media is. How, if at all, can the proliferation of mobile telephony and the Internet be used to engage more people, particularly young people from ethnic minorities, in the political process?
The primary research for this dissertation was conducted in the London borough of Hackney. The borough was chosen for a number of reasons. Firstly, the two constituencies that represent the area both had a turnout of less than 50 per cent in the 2005 general election. Secondly, the population of the borough has a relatively youthful profile.
Chapter 2 will examine issues affecting democracy and political engagement in Hackney. This will establish whether the issues discussed in the first chapter are also relevant in the local context. Chapter 3 gives an overview of the methodology used in the primary research and lists the participants. Three separate groups were surveyed in order to test the perceptions on how new media might be used, and why it might help to address problems of political engagement. These were a group of local councillors, a group of community leaders including representatives from Team Hackney, and a group of young people of Afro Caribbean origin.
All agreed that new media technologies have the potential to strengthen democracy. But significant differences emerged on the particular issues that these technologies could be used to address. These differences were based on the different perceptions of what the causes of disengagement among young people are. The results of the research and their implications are discussed in Chapters 4 and 5.
The final chapter provides a general conclusion together with some recommendations on how new media technologies could be used in political communications to engage more young people and strengthen the democratic process in the United Kingdom.
Monday 29 October 2007
About Time
Nearly three months since I last posted anything so it's about time i updated things. The dissertation came and went. I got 76 for my efforts which means a distinction in my Masters. I will get round to uploading it soon so it'll be out there for anyone who's interested.
Now for the excuses for not blogging. Moving house has meant no internet. Starting work full time has meant less time. And, obviously, I've been lazy. But I hope that things hace settled down a bit I'll get back into the swing of things
Now for the excuses for not blogging. Moving house has meant no internet. Starting work full time has meant less time. And, obviously, I've been lazy. But I hope that things hace settled down a bit I'll get back into the swing of things
Saturday 4 August 2007
What I Learnt Last Night
Here's the first draft for my dissertation following a meeting last night at the Methodist Church on Mare Street.
On 3 August 2007 the author met with the group who had filled in the questionnaire in order to discuss the above findings. There was general agreement with the conclusions reached. However, a number of interesting points emerged.
The use of new media technologies in political communications will not change anything unless it is accompanied by more profound reform in the political system. Asked to reflect not just on their own views but also those of their peer group, the participants felt that there was potential for new media to bring politicians and young voters closer together, to generate greater understanding, and to increase participation.
The idea that the traditional media have had an overtly negative effect on political engagement did not have much currency with the group who emphasised that they were able to distinguish between ‘serious news’ and more frivolous items. There was an acceptance that the media do sensationalise certain stories to make for more interesting reading but generally the participants felt both they, and their peers, were clearly able to prioritise issues.
In effect the participants were adamant that what has been referred to throughout this study as the theory of media malaise was not the main cause for voter disaffection and that this was also the case among their peer group in the Afro Caribbean community.
The main issues of concern for the group revolved around effective representation. Although there was some criticism of the performance of politicians, particularly the local MPs, what emerged was a clear feeling that the current political system is not able to represent their concerns as individuals nor as members of their community.
Encouragingly a number of solutions were put forward for reforming the way national democracy functions. These included the idea of creating an organisation along the lines of the Commission for Racial Equality, but specifically geared towards young people or the reform of the elective legislatures of this country to allow for a youth parliament which would have some kind of impact on the legislative process.
The above are clearly complex issues, and debate over whether the current system as operated in the United Kingdom is need of reform is ongoing and beyond the scope of this research. However, what this discussion does prove is that there is interest in politics, that young people would like to be engaged, and are willing to discuss possible alternatives to the current system with politicians.
It is for this reason that they view new media technologies as a positive communications tool. It has the potential to allow them to contribute to, or even initiate, a discussion of which they want to be part of. But the agenda for that discussion is not to reverse the decline in the standing of politicians due to media sensationalism or to encourage more young people to vote. The agenda for this particular group of young people is to address a deeply felt need for a commitment to reform and to a more effective form of representation beyond having a single MP to be made.
This feeling, which according to the participants, is generally reflected across their peer group, has serious consequences for the political class in Hackney who as we have seen do place a lot more emphasis on the role the media plays in creating a negative image of politicians and politics. There is little desire for politicians to be ridiculed and there is interest in issues but there seems but at present young people feel there is little point in bothering to engage in politics because concerns never seem to be addressed.
This failure is put down to unsatisfactory performance by politicians but the greater emphasis is on the fact that MPs can not really affect change and that, even if they could, one MP representing some 70,000 constituents simply can not be in a position to truly address the concerns of everyone. On this factor, the more favourable view of the local council which emerged from the questionnaires was also reflected in the conversation. Local councillors were seen as trying too hard to be in the local media and not looking after the concerns of constituents as much as they could. They were, however, seen as more representative of the communities in Hackney, and as being able to really influence matters of concern to individuals or neighbourhoods.
At national level another issue that was debated was the difference in political views between the parties. This part of the discussion was definitely a secondary theme for the group, whose emphasis on their feelings of not being effectively represented has already been made clear. It is still important to note a certain amount of confusion on what the main political parties stood for and whether there was any substantive difference between them.
A suggestion was made that perhaps classes on the political views of the major parties be introduced in schools in order for there to be greater understanding on what they represent. This brings us back to the issue discussed in the opening chapter of this study. Namely, that one of the reasons for declining voter turnout is that with the ideological battles between left and right which dominated politics over the twentieth century largely settled, political parties have coalesced around a centre ground with most people feeling unaffected by whether a particular party is in power or not and focussing on who might be the most able ‘manager’ of the country.
This lack of ideological conflict seems to have bread uncertainty about what the different parties stand for and although new media technologies could be used to help young people understand the differences that may exist, we should perhaps be willing to consider the possibility that current levels of turnout reflect the norm of a society which overall does not have any serious internal conflicts and view the situation throughout the twentieth century as being the exception.
Overall the experience gained from this aspect of the research was encouraging. Although the small nature of the sample must always be borne in mind and the conclusions reached can only be viewed as suggestive, it seems that young people within the Afro Caribbean community do care about politics and would like to get involved in shaping the future of their community and the country.
Although the lack of ideological conflict may mean that a return to voting figures of the latter part of the twentieth century may be unfeasible, young people do believe that new media technologies have the potential to play an effective part in enhancing democracy and participation in elections. However, the trend that emerged from the questionnaires, namely that there is great scepticism about whether politicians can really effectively deal with their concerns, and some scepticism over whether they really want to address those concerns, seems to hold true.
Communication is a good thing but the overwhelming feeling taken by the author from this follow up discussion is that what is really needed is reform of the political system, not of the way the media operates, nor of the way politicians communicate with their constituents. The potential of new media in political communication can only be fulfilled as part of a wider programme of reform which lets young people feel that their concerns are really represented in the legislative process and the Government of the United Kingdom.
On 3 August 2007 the author met with the group who had filled in the questionnaire in order to discuss the above findings. There was general agreement with the conclusions reached. However, a number of interesting points emerged.
The use of new media technologies in political communications will not change anything unless it is accompanied by more profound reform in the political system. Asked to reflect not just on their own views but also those of their peer group, the participants felt that there was potential for new media to bring politicians and young voters closer together, to generate greater understanding, and to increase participation.
The idea that the traditional media have had an overtly negative effect on political engagement did not have much currency with the group who emphasised that they were able to distinguish between ‘serious news’ and more frivolous items. There was an acceptance that the media do sensationalise certain stories to make for more interesting reading but generally the participants felt both they, and their peers, were clearly able to prioritise issues.
In effect the participants were adamant that what has been referred to throughout this study as the theory of media malaise was not the main cause for voter disaffection and that this was also the case among their peer group in the Afro Caribbean community.
The main issues of concern for the group revolved around effective representation. Although there was some criticism of the performance of politicians, particularly the local MPs, what emerged was a clear feeling that the current political system is not able to represent their concerns as individuals nor as members of their community.
Encouragingly a number of solutions were put forward for reforming the way national democracy functions. These included the idea of creating an organisation along the lines of the Commission for Racial Equality, but specifically geared towards young people or the reform of the elective legislatures of this country to allow for a youth parliament which would have some kind of impact on the legislative process.
The above are clearly complex issues, and debate over whether the current system as operated in the United Kingdom is need of reform is ongoing and beyond the scope of this research. However, what this discussion does prove is that there is interest in politics, that young people would like to be engaged, and are willing to discuss possible alternatives to the current system with politicians.
It is for this reason that they view new media technologies as a positive communications tool. It has the potential to allow them to contribute to, or even initiate, a discussion of which they want to be part of. But the agenda for that discussion is not to reverse the decline in the standing of politicians due to media sensationalism or to encourage more young people to vote. The agenda for this particular group of young people is to address a deeply felt need for a commitment to reform and to a more effective form of representation beyond having a single MP to be made.
This feeling, which according to the participants, is generally reflected across their peer group, has serious consequences for the political class in Hackney who as we have seen do place a lot more emphasis on the role the media plays in creating a negative image of politicians and politics. There is little desire for politicians to be ridiculed and there is interest in issues but there seems but at present young people feel there is little point in bothering to engage in politics because concerns never seem to be addressed.
This failure is put down to unsatisfactory performance by politicians but the greater emphasis is on the fact that MPs can not really affect change and that, even if they could, one MP representing some 70,000 constituents simply can not be in a position to truly address the concerns of everyone. On this factor, the more favourable view of the local council which emerged from the questionnaires was also reflected in the conversation. Local councillors were seen as trying too hard to be in the local media and not looking after the concerns of constituents as much as they could. They were, however, seen as more representative of the communities in Hackney, and as being able to really influence matters of concern to individuals or neighbourhoods.
At national level another issue that was debated was the difference in political views between the parties. This part of the discussion was definitely a secondary theme for the group, whose emphasis on their feelings of not being effectively represented has already been made clear. It is still important to note a certain amount of confusion on what the main political parties stood for and whether there was any substantive difference between them.
A suggestion was made that perhaps classes on the political views of the major parties be introduced in schools in order for there to be greater understanding on what they represent. This brings us back to the issue discussed in the opening chapter of this study. Namely, that one of the reasons for declining voter turnout is that with the ideological battles between left and right which dominated politics over the twentieth century largely settled, political parties have coalesced around a centre ground with most people feeling unaffected by whether a particular party is in power or not and focussing on who might be the most able ‘manager’ of the country.
This lack of ideological conflict seems to have bread uncertainty about what the different parties stand for and although new media technologies could be used to help young people understand the differences that may exist, we should perhaps be willing to consider the possibility that current levels of turnout reflect the norm of a society which overall does not have any serious internal conflicts and view the situation throughout the twentieth century as being the exception.
Overall the experience gained from this aspect of the research was encouraging. Although the small nature of the sample must always be borne in mind and the conclusions reached can only be viewed as suggestive, it seems that young people within the Afro Caribbean community do care about politics and would like to get involved in shaping the future of their community and the country.
Although the lack of ideological conflict may mean that a return to voting figures of the latter part of the twentieth century may be unfeasible, young people do believe that new media technologies have the potential to play an effective part in enhancing democracy and participation in elections. However, the trend that emerged from the questionnaires, namely that there is great scepticism about whether politicians can really effectively deal with their concerns, and some scepticism over whether they really want to address those concerns, seems to hold true.
Communication is a good thing but the overwhelming feeling taken by the author from this follow up discussion is that what is really needed is reform of the political system, not of the way the media operates, nor of the way politicians communicate with their constituents. The potential of new media in political communication can only be fulfilled as part of a wider programme of reform which lets young people feel that their concerns are really represented in the legislative process and the Government of the United Kingdom.
Tuesday 31 July 2007
How much is too much?
I’ve been a bit quiet over the last couple of weeks mainly because life has been manic. The trip to Malta went well and it was good to catch up with everyone. Trying to fit all the social obligations in made it quite a hectic week but I still managed to get in a morning at Ghajn Tuffieha, enjoying a swim in the glorious clear seas before all the bloody tourists turned up (I suppose I’m a tourist too now).
The flight back was a bit of a nightmare. The flight was delayed by about four hours and then my case didn’t turn up this end. We are still chasing BA but I get the feeling that’s the last I’ve seen of it – and of the dissertation notes I made while I was out there. Urghh!!!
Since we’ve been back I have managed to get some writing done and to really start looking at the data collected. It seems that the community stakeholders of Hackney are somewhat more idealistic about things than the politicians.
The trends seem to show that politicians think they do an OK job but that media and society have turned against them (I am being very simplistic here!) while community stakeholders seem to think that politicians could do a much better job but that the most important factor in engaging voters is not necessarily a communications challenge but one of improving conditions in society.
Anyway, more of that as we get nearer the end of this project. I’ve also been doing some more research on the background of Hackney and the way society in the borough has changed over the last century. Apart from a few hours in Hackney’s central library, I’ll also be off to meet the people from the Methodist church who filled in my youth questionnaire to go through what they said and see what the reaction is. More on that at the weekend.
Apart from all this dissertation stuff there is of course all the ongoing stuff at Propeller and our efforts to set up an online PR unit. It’s going OK and I think we’ve pretty much worked out how the whole thing works so hopefully we’ll be able to get going soon. We are testing our product with Grasswhispers. Tomorrow I should be able to see the first results of our efforts. Fingers crossed!
Oh, and I’ve also been preparing some stuff for EiA and their new PR push over the next few months. Hopefully I can get them to come on board with Propeller Online to help us develop the offering further.
Amongst all that we also managed to squeeze in a trip to the Emirates on Saturday so Clare has finally had her chance to see Arsenal at the new stadium and the odd 30th birthday part. It’s all the rage at the moment! Finally, it looks like we’ve also found somewhere to live after our contract at the University expires at the end of August. Because we’re not in full time employment at the moment we’ve going to have to pay £3,000 up front. Thank God for parents!
I can’t wait for this month to be over. By then this research will be over, I’ll have a full time job (hopefully?!), and we’ll be in a proper house. Maybe then I’ll be able to calm down a bit!
The flight back was a bit of a nightmare. The flight was delayed by about four hours and then my case didn’t turn up this end. We are still chasing BA but I get the feeling that’s the last I’ve seen of it – and of the dissertation notes I made while I was out there. Urghh!!!
Since we’ve been back I have managed to get some writing done and to really start looking at the data collected. It seems that the community stakeholders of Hackney are somewhat more idealistic about things than the politicians.
The trends seem to show that politicians think they do an OK job but that media and society have turned against them (I am being very simplistic here!) while community stakeholders seem to think that politicians could do a much better job but that the most important factor in engaging voters is not necessarily a communications challenge but one of improving conditions in society.
Anyway, more of that as we get nearer the end of this project. I’ve also been doing some more research on the background of Hackney and the way society in the borough has changed over the last century. Apart from a few hours in Hackney’s central library, I’ll also be off to meet the people from the Methodist church who filled in my youth questionnaire to go through what they said and see what the reaction is. More on that at the weekend.
Apart from all this dissertation stuff there is of course all the ongoing stuff at Propeller and our efforts to set up an online PR unit. It’s going OK and I think we’ve pretty much worked out how the whole thing works so hopefully we’ll be able to get going soon. We are testing our product with Grasswhispers. Tomorrow I should be able to see the first results of our efforts. Fingers crossed!
Oh, and I’ve also been preparing some stuff for EiA and their new PR push over the next few months. Hopefully I can get them to come on board with Propeller Online to help us develop the offering further.
Amongst all that we also managed to squeeze in a trip to the Emirates on Saturday so Clare has finally had her chance to see Arsenal at the new stadium and the odd 30th birthday part. It’s all the rage at the moment! Finally, it looks like we’ve also found somewhere to live after our contract at the University expires at the end of August. Because we’re not in full time employment at the moment we’ve going to have to pay £3,000 up front. Thank God for parents!
I can’t wait for this month to be over. By then this research will be over, I’ll have a full time job (hopefully?!), and we’ll be in a proper house. Maybe then I’ll be able to calm down a bit!
Tuesday 17 July 2007
Ozzie Rules
Back in Malta for a week of sun ... Here's something that's just come up on timesofmalta.com.
Breaking News
Australian PM takes election campaign to YouTube
[17/07/2007 - 12:56]
Australia's conservative leader John Howard took his re-election campaign to the Internet, targeting youth culture as he delivered new measures to fight climate change.
Howard, who turns 68 next week and has been prime minister for 11 years, is trying to counter political attacks that he is old and out of touch. Dressed in a suit and with the Australian flag in the background, Howard launched the environment policy on the popular video Web site YouTube in a speech lasting about two minutes.
Viewers gave him a decidedly mixed response. 'This is another Howard sham. Another knee jerk reaction from a dinosaure (sic) in it's political death throws,' wrote YouTube contributor robbamcrobot. Many responses were even more blunt and a number called for the prime minister to retire, although some were supportive of his first foray onto the Internet. 'You rock John!! The others are stuck in their sorry world where anything and anything anti-government is 'cool'... its scary to think they have the power to vote. your doing an awesome job! (all sic),' wrote contributor shallowblue.
Until now, Howard has always preferred talkback radio to reach voters.
His age has become a political issue in Australia in the lead up to elections due within five months. Climate change has also become a hot topic for voters after the worst drought onr ecord. His government's perceived lack of action in tackling global warming, such as failure to sign the Kyoto Protocol climate pact or reluctance to agree to targets to cut greenhouse emissions, has angered many voters.
The opposition Labor party stepped up its attack with its own YouTube and television ad showing Howard in bed and sleeping through four alarms warning of the dangers of global warming and his refusal to set greenhouse gas targets. 'But he won't set targets, until after the election. Howard's asleep on climate change. 11 years. Still asleep,' the narrator says as Howard sleeps on. Centre-left Labor has a strong lead in opinion polls and has attempted to portray Howard as a man who is stuck in the past compared to Labor leader Kevin Rudd, who is 18 years younger. Rudd turns 50 in September.
In the United States, presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have used the Internet to reach a new generation of supporters. Clinton used the Internet to post a send-up video of the final episode of the hit television series 'The Sopranos', announcing the winning anthem for her presidential campaign would be Celine Dion's 'You and I'. A video song 'Obama Girl' on YouTube, where women swoon for Clinton's rival Obama, has received more than one million hits.
Howard's performance was more conservative in style as he announced millions of dollars for schools to install solar hot water systems. 'Australia will more than play its part to address climate change, but we will do it in a practical and balanced way, in full knowledge of the economic consequences for our nation,' he says.
Hours after it was posted, Howard's YouTube message had received thousands of views and hundreds of comments, the vast number uncomplimentary.
Breaking News
Australian PM takes election campaign to YouTube
[17/07/2007 - 12:56]
Australia's conservative leader John Howard took his re-election campaign to the Internet, targeting youth culture as he delivered new measures to fight climate change.
Howard, who turns 68 next week and has been prime minister for 11 years, is trying to counter political attacks that he is old and out of touch. Dressed in a suit and with the Australian flag in the background, Howard launched the environment policy on the popular video Web site YouTube in a speech lasting about two minutes.
Viewers gave him a decidedly mixed response. 'This is another Howard sham. Another knee jerk reaction from a dinosaure (sic) in it's political death throws,' wrote YouTube contributor robbamcrobot. Many responses were even more blunt and a number called for the prime minister to retire, although some were supportive of his first foray onto the Internet. 'You rock John!! The others are stuck in their sorry world where anything and anything anti-government is 'cool'... its scary to think they have the power to vote. your doing an awesome job! (all sic),' wrote contributor shallowblue.
Until now, Howard has always preferred talkback radio to reach voters.
His age has become a political issue in Australia in the lead up to elections due within five months. Climate change has also become a hot topic for voters after the worst drought onr ecord. His government's perceived lack of action in tackling global warming, such as failure to sign the Kyoto Protocol climate pact or reluctance to agree to targets to cut greenhouse emissions, has angered many voters.
The opposition Labor party stepped up its attack with its own YouTube and television ad showing Howard in bed and sleeping through four alarms warning of the dangers of global warming and his refusal to set greenhouse gas targets. 'But he won't set targets, until after the election. Howard's asleep on climate change. 11 years. Still asleep,' the narrator says as Howard sleeps on. Centre-left Labor has a strong lead in opinion polls and has attempted to portray Howard as a man who is stuck in the past compared to Labor leader Kevin Rudd, who is 18 years younger. Rudd turns 50 in September.
In the United States, presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have used the Internet to reach a new generation of supporters. Clinton used the Internet to post a send-up video of the final episode of the hit television series 'The Sopranos', announcing the winning anthem for her presidential campaign would be Celine Dion's 'You and I'. A video song 'Obama Girl' on YouTube, where women swoon for Clinton's rival Obama, has received more than one million hits.
Howard's performance was more conservative in style as he announced millions of dollars for schools to install solar hot water systems. 'Australia will more than play its part to address climate change, but we will do it in a practical and balanced way, in full knowledge of the economic consequences for our nation,' he says.
Hours after it was posted, Howard's YouTube message had received thousands of views and hundreds of comments, the vast number uncomplimentary.
Wednesday 11 July 2007
Politicians vs Media
The report of the the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee relating to the actions of the PCC with regards to coverage of Prince William's relationship with Kate Middleton and the News of the World's royal vociemail tapping incident continues to build on the theme increasingly put forward by this country's political class.
While stating that there is nothing better than self regulation and that a free press is a cornerstone of democracy the message is becoming ever stronger that standards in the media are simply not good enough and that self-regulations has to be seen to be effective to be credible etc.
In other words we are in a period of very thinly veiled threats to the media to improve its behaviour. After all, falling standards means a less well informed public and would be a threat to democracy.
All this talk, of course, goes back a long way. It is just the latest manifestation of the inherent tension between politics and media. Politicians themselves are to blame for declining standrads of debate beacuse they want to be on TV and TV isn't the place for debate, it's the place for entertainment. They are also the ones who want to avoid discussion and focuse on personalities because this helps them to avoid tackling issues. Politics is not about policy or principal anymore, it's about getting elected.
Meanwhile the media, which is also in business to entertain and make money, and not to inform or educate plays along with the show, focussing on the trivial and cutting resources focsussed on policies and issues.
So why now all this fuss from the politicians? Why was one of Tony Blair's final parting shots aimed at suggesting that something had to be done to help improve the nature of policial discourse in this country? I suppose concerns over the legitamcy of Parliament and the nature of the UK state are reaching a critical point. Perhaps both sides have realised they have pushed things too far. Gordon Brown's first inititiaves seem very much to have been aimed at re-engaging the electorate.
But, I don't see how any of this is going to work. If you regulate the media, it will become dull and no one will watch or listen. How can you regulate content if you are operating ina dregulate dfree market economy. Unfortunately the commercial pressures on media created by the structure in which they operate and the need of politicians to have a high profile means that I can't really see a way for the quality of debate to improve.
What we need is for people to genuinely become interested in politics and policies and that is simply not going to happen when there are no fundamental ideological differences to debate and when life is simply too fast to sit down and think about what you actually might belief or want.
While stating that there is nothing better than self regulation and that a free press is a cornerstone of democracy the message is becoming ever stronger that standards in the media are simply not good enough and that self-regulations has to be seen to be effective to be credible etc.
In other words we are in a period of very thinly veiled threats to the media to improve its behaviour. After all, falling standards means a less well informed public and would be a threat to democracy.
All this talk, of course, goes back a long way. It is just the latest manifestation of the inherent tension between politics and media. Politicians themselves are to blame for declining standrads of debate beacuse they want to be on TV and TV isn't the place for debate, it's the place for entertainment. They are also the ones who want to avoid discussion and focuse on personalities because this helps them to avoid tackling issues. Politics is not about policy or principal anymore, it's about getting elected.
Meanwhile the media, which is also in business to entertain and make money, and not to inform or educate plays along with the show, focussing on the trivial and cutting resources focsussed on policies and issues.
So why now all this fuss from the politicians? Why was one of Tony Blair's final parting shots aimed at suggesting that something had to be done to help improve the nature of policial discourse in this country? I suppose concerns over the legitamcy of Parliament and the nature of the UK state are reaching a critical point. Perhaps both sides have realised they have pushed things too far. Gordon Brown's first inititiaves seem very much to have been aimed at re-engaging the electorate.
But, I don't see how any of this is going to work. If you regulate the media, it will become dull and no one will watch or listen. How can you regulate content if you are operating ina dregulate dfree market economy. Unfortunately the commercial pressures on media created by the structure in which they operate and the need of politicians to have a high profile means that I can't really see a way for the quality of debate to improve.
What we need is for people to genuinely become interested in politics and policies and that is simply not going to happen when there are no fundamental ideological differences to debate and when life is simply too fast to sit down and think about what you actually might belief or want.
Monday 2 July 2007
Drama
A dramatic weekend across the country came to dramatic end for us and we spent the evening watching a block of the University of Westminster’s Harrow Campus burn. I haven’t had a chance to go and see what the damage is but judging by the height of the flames and the umber of fire engines that turned up, it’s not going to be pretty. It was quite a surreal experience really.
The weekend itself was spent visiting friends down in Crawley. There’s not much to do there so other than eat and drink, when we did go out we headed for Brighton Saturday and then Lewes on Sunday. It was all very relaxing and I managed to put on a load of weight. Football on Wednesday will hopefully put that right.
Anyway, moving on. After a day at work this evening I have actually made a start on writing my dissertation. Working largely from memory I set out a few of the arguments surrounding turnout in UK elections, whether it is a sign of a democracy in crisis or not and the role communications strategies may have played in affecting voter confidence and turnout in elections. I’ve also written a bit about whether it is political communications strategies or the ‘feral media’, to quote a former Prime Minister who are to blame.
Essentially I have just set up the question of what – if any – impact new media might have on political communication and whether it can play a part in creating a more participative democracy. I still have a lot of work to do on it firstly because the arguments are quite complex and I need to made clear that communications is not the only, or even the most important, issue at stake here. I also need to trawl through all the books I read earlier in the year to firm up the arguments I have put forward. Essentially I have to write a 2,500 word essay on whether British democracy is in crisis and the reasons behind it.
And finally, hopefully some more questionnaires will show up soon from Hackney. I’m not going to try and contact any more people now as time has run out but I will continue to chase those who are still pending.
The weekend itself was spent visiting friends down in Crawley. There’s not much to do there so other than eat and drink, when we did go out we headed for Brighton Saturday and then Lewes on Sunday. It was all very relaxing and I managed to put on a load of weight. Football on Wednesday will hopefully put that right.
Anyway, moving on. After a day at work this evening I have actually made a start on writing my dissertation. Working largely from memory I set out a few of the arguments surrounding turnout in UK elections, whether it is a sign of a democracy in crisis or not and the role communications strategies may have played in affecting voter confidence and turnout in elections. I’ve also written a bit about whether it is political communications strategies or the ‘feral media’, to quote a former Prime Minister who are to blame.
Essentially I have just set up the question of what – if any – impact new media might have on political communication and whether it can play a part in creating a more participative democracy. I still have a lot of work to do on it firstly because the arguments are quite complex and I need to made clear that communications is not the only, or even the most important, issue at stake here. I also need to trawl through all the books I read earlier in the year to firm up the arguments I have put forward. Essentially I have to write a 2,500 word essay on whether British democracy is in crisis and the reasons behind it.
And finally, hopefully some more questionnaires will show up soon from Hackney. I’m not going to try and contact any more people now as time has run out but I will continue to chase those who are still pending.
Friday 29 June 2007
Jimmy Leach
NMA (www.nma.co.uk) readers have voted Jimmy Leach, the Head of Digital Communications at 10 Downing Street, as the person who has made the greatest individual contribution to new media over the past year.
Today's front page story highlights the fact that he set up the ePetitions strategy which has “enabled a generation to feel engaged in politics and has given each citizen a voice to talk directly to 10 Downing Street."
His decision to launch a 10 Downing Street YouTube channel has also been praised fro showing “that those in charge are willing to meet young people in their own environment”.
Praise indeed.
Whether young people came to have a look is another matter as is whether people do feel that the ePetitions service is giving them an effective voice in Government.
Nevertheless, this is clear evidence that new media is offering up new channels of communication between politicians and public, which are being used at least to some extent. And hopefully this is playing some small part in strengtheing our democracy
Today's front page story highlights the fact that he set up the ePetitions strategy which has “enabled a generation to feel engaged in politics and has given each citizen a voice to talk directly to 10 Downing Street."
His decision to launch a 10 Downing Street YouTube channel has also been praised fro showing “that those in charge are willing to meet young people in their own environment”.
Praise indeed.
Whether young people came to have a look is another matter as is whether people do feel that the ePetitions service is giving them an effective voice in Government.
Nevertheless, this is clear evidence that new media is offering up new channels of communication between politicians and public, which are being used at least to some extent. And hopefully this is playing some small part in strengtheing our democracy
Thursday 28 June 2007
Little Progress
Just a couple of quick updates. I’ve got a couple of
filled in questionnaires this week; one from Kevin
Davey at The Innovatory and the other from Councillor
Chris Kennedy. I’m still waiting to hear back from
Gary Francis at HCVS and the news from Shaun Saunders
is that I should be receiving some material back from
his youth groups next week.
I spent yesterday trying to get hold of more
organisations around Hackney that work with young
people. I think I must have sent off about thirty
e-mails but so far there hasn’t been much of a
response. I’ve got to give a woman from the scout’s a
call this evening though so hopefully that lead will
go somewhere.
Obviously time is really starting to press as there’s
only two months to go now before I have to hand the
dissertation in. I’m basically going to give it
another week and then draw a line. Hopefully there’s
enough material with which to build a good argument.
filled in questionnaires this week; one from Kevin
Davey at The Innovatory and the other from Councillor
Chris Kennedy. I’m still waiting to hear back from
Gary Francis at HCVS and the news from Shaun Saunders
is that I should be receiving some material back from
his youth groups next week.
I spent yesterday trying to get hold of more
organisations around Hackney that work with young
people. I think I must have sent off about thirty
e-mails but so far there hasn’t been much of a
response. I’ve got to give a woman from the scout’s a
call this evening though so hopefully that lead will
go somewhere.
Obviously time is really starting to press as there’s
only two months to go now before I have to hand the
dissertation in. I’m basically going to give it
another week and then draw a line. Hopefully there’s
enough material with which to build a good argument.
Saturday 23 June 2007
Busy Busy
I’ve had a pretty busy week as I had to do an extra day and a half at Propeller this week, in addition to my normal three days. It was all in a good cause though as we seem to be on a bit of a roll in terms of attracting new business. Hopefully, this week’s pitches and meetings will prove as successful as other recent ones although of course the extra hours take time away from working on the dissertation. It looks like next week will be similarly busy so I can assume a load of fun evenings playing catch up are on the horizon.
Anyway, I did get some marks back from the optional modules I took in semester two, at last. No complaints overall and I’m still on track for a distinction, provided I do a good job on this research. Speaking of which, a couple of completed questionnaires have landed on the doormat. I’ve also been to see Sean Saunders who heads the Methodist Circuit in Hackney. He’s getting his Ministers and some young people to take part. Gary Francis at HCVS should also have some questionnaires for me by Tuesday.
I’ve also had a call from Chris Kennedy, who’s a Councillor. He should be sending his completed questionnaire some time this week. And finally, Sally Scott from the Hackney Gazette has also sent me a completed questionnaire. Wow! A journalist has answered.
I’m kind of hoping that the weather will be as bad tomorrow as it has been today. That will give me a good excuse to start looking through the data I’ve collected so far as well as finalising a product outline for a new online PR service that I’m working on for Propeller. I’m sure Clare will love me for it.
Anyway, I did get some marks back from the optional modules I took in semester two, at last. No complaints overall and I’m still on track for a distinction, provided I do a good job on this research. Speaking of which, a couple of completed questionnaires have landed on the doormat. I’ve also been to see Sean Saunders who heads the Methodist Circuit in Hackney. He’s getting his Ministers and some young people to take part. Gary Francis at HCVS should also have some questionnaires for me by Tuesday.
I’ve also had a call from Chris Kennedy, who’s a Councillor. He should be sending his completed questionnaire some time this week. And finally, Sally Scott from the Hackney Gazette has also sent me a completed questionnaire. Wow! A journalist has answered.
I’m kind of hoping that the weather will be as bad tomorrow as it has been today. That will give me a good excuse to start looking through the data I’ve collected so far as well as finalising a product outline for a new online PR service that I’m working on for Propeller. I’m sure Clare will love me for it.
Thursday 14 June 2007
Hydro Hackney
A good piece of PR for Hackney Council on Page 8 of tonight's londonpaper. It seems the councillors are doing their bit to go green by switching all their electricty supply to renewable sources - and saving £500,000 in the process.
Of course, what we don't know is how much electricty was being wasted and whether cutting use could still help further. But we shouldn't be too cynical so a big well done to all concerened. I would have liked to link to the full story but the press release doesn't seem to be up on the Hackney Council site yet. If it's there soon, I will.
Meanwhile, I have emailed my questionnaire to the Hackney Gazette. They seem to have been the least forthcoming people on this project so far. Like a lot of journalists I suppose they are working under coinsiderable time pressure. Then again, who isn't? I'll just have to be persistent ... again!
Of course, what we don't know is how much electricty was being wasted and whether cutting use could still help further. But we shouldn't be too cynical so a big well done to all concerened. I would have liked to link to the full story but the press release doesn't seem to be up on the Hackney Council site yet. If it's there soon, I will.
Meanwhile, I have emailed my questionnaire to the Hackney Gazette. They seem to have been the least forthcoming people on this project so far. Like a lot of journalists I suppose they are working under coinsiderable time pressure. Then again, who isn't? I'll just have to be persistent ... again!
Wednesday 13 June 2007
The Tenth Politician
A quick visit to Hackney Town Hall this morning to pick up the questionnaires left by Councillor Desmond. Luckily there was no repeat of the saga with Coucillor Siddiqui’s questionnaire of a few weeks ago so today’s collection was problem free. I’ve now got ten questionnaires filled in by Councillors which means I’m still short of my 25 per cent target but I think I will just have to work with what I’ve got (plus the answers coming from Speaker Khan)
I’ve also forwarded the youth questionnaire to Gary Francis at HCVS so we’ll see how that all goes.
The rather exciting period of sorting through all the data and adding up the results is approaching. That’s when all this will actually start to get interesting as the information I’ve collected starts to throw up some patterns of thought (or maybe not) on different stakeholders perceptions on the potential of new media as an effective channel for political communications.
I’ve also forwarded the youth questionnaire to Gary Francis at HCVS so we’ll see how that all goes.
The rather exciting period of sorting through all the data and adding up the results is approaching. That’s when all this will actually start to get interesting as the information I’ve collected starts to throw up some patterns of thought (or maybe not) on different stakeholders perceptions on the potential of new media as an effective channel for political communications.
Tuesday 12 June 2007
Chasing
Today began with calls to Hackney Council, Hackney Police and the Hackney Gazette trying to get appointments to see various people. These all proved unsuccessful. I did get an email from Michael Desmond, a councillor, to tell me that he has left a few questionnaires for me at the Town Hall. I’ll head over there tomorrow to collect them. I’ve also been sending out a load to emails to various Hackney stakeholders including Hackney Voluntary Action, Springboard Hackney, the Methodist Circuit, Hackney TUC and a few bloggers who seem to have an interest in Hackney. Finally, I’ve also heard back from HCVS and it looks like the offer of help is now turning into practical assistance. I’ve sent them the main questionnaire and I must remember to send them the students’ questionnaire tomorrow. Anyway, overall some progress. More tomorrow hopefully.
Saturday 9 June 2007
Hackney Schools
Having not accomplished very much this week on the dissertation front (including a failed attempt to see someone at the Hackney Gazette) I finally pulled my finger out this morning and started sending requests to schools in Hackney that have a sixth form.
My aim obviously is to start getting the views of young people who will soon have their first opportunity to vote, as well as their teachers. So far, from what I can work out there are six schools which have a sixth form. These are Hackney Community College, The Bridge Academy, Cardinal Pole RC School, Our Lady’s Convent High School, Skinners’ Company’s School for Girls and Stoke Newington School. I’ve sent all of them an email, with the exception of Skinners’ whose email and website both seem to not be working at the moment, asking whether I can hand out some questionnaires.
Clearly students in sixth form are not necessarily going to represent the views of the entire age group but I their responses should give me some good insights in to where the minds of motivated and intelligent young people are on these issues.
My aim obviously is to start getting the views of young people who will soon have their first opportunity to vote, as well as their teachers. So far, from what I can work out there are six schools which have a sixth form. These are Hackney Community College, The Bridge Academy, Cardinal Pole RC School, Our Lady’s Convent High School, Skinners’ Company’s School for Girls and Stoke Newington School. I’ve sent all of them an email, with the exception of Skinners’ whose email and website both seem to not be working at the moment, asking whether I can hand out some questionnaires.
Clearly students in sixth form are not necessarily going to represent the views of the entire age group but I their responses should give me some good insights in to where the minds of motivated and intelligent young people are on these issues.
Tuesday 5 June 2007
HCVS Help
I forgot to mention the other day that Linda Smith did not ignore my correspondence but actually sent back some very useful comments which pretty much answered all of my questions regarding her thoughts on the potential of new media in political communication. I’ve also had a couple more questionnaires back from Team Hackney members and an offer of some extra help from the Hackney Council for Voluntary Service who might be able to get me in touch with more people to speak to. Obviously I’ve told them that all help is welcome so we’ll see where that leads.
Sunday 3 June 2007
Team Hackney Answers
We’ve been down in Brighton over the weekend celebrating one of my best’s mates birthday. Actually the celebrations started on Wednesday when we went to see Dave Matthews at Wembley Arena (my mate Dan’s a massive fan!). Anyway, meanwhile responses have come in from Team Hackney members Laura Sharpe and Steve Dann. At first glance they both seem to be remarkable positive about the potential of new media in political communication in particular when it comes to re-engaging young people with democracy. I still need a few more answers from politicians to make up my required sample but overall progress is being made.
Thursday 31 May 2007
Team Hackney (2)
I’ve had a two more replies from the Team Hackney members, namely from The Innovatory and from the business incubator Accelerator. I’ve also been sent and email by Councillor Linda Smith who seems to have disapproved of the questions I put in the questionnaire. I think it seems she hasn’t grasped the concept of new media and how it might change the way politicians and the public communicate with each other. Still, criticism is always good and possibly reflects a failure on my part to be totally clear about the motivation behind the project. I’ve emailed her back to try and better explain where I’m coming from. I wonder if she will reply or just ignore me now.
Wednesday 30 May 2007
Team Hackney
I’ve spent a few hours this morning sending emails to all the organisations involved with Team Hackney. I’ve added a new link to their site in the general interest column down the right of the page. Essentially the organisation brings together a whole bunch of community stakeholders to help co-ordinate development and basically to make life in Hackney better.
A few good responses will certainly help to get a broader perspective on what stakeholders in the community feel about engaging young people in the political process and I’ve already received some positive replies. These have come from Chief Superintendent Steve Dann, who’s the Police Commander for Hackney Borough, Simon Thomsett from Hackney Empire and Laura Sharpe from the City & Hackney Teaching Primary Care Trust. I’ve sent them the questionnaire so now we’ll just have to wait and see.
A few good responses will certainly help to get a broader perspective on what stakeholders in the community feel about engaging young people in the political process and I’ve already received some positive replies. These have come from Chief Superintendent Steve Dann, who’s the Police Commander for Hackney Borough, Simon Thomsett from Hackney Empire and Laura Sharpe from the City & Hackney Teaching Primary Care Trust. I’ve sent them the questionnaire so now we’ll just have to wait and see.
Tuesday 29 May 2007
Politicians on YouTube
An article by Maija Palmer on page 4 of today’s FT talks about research by the British Market Research Bureau which found that fewer than 5 per cent of people have watched any clips posted by political parties on YouTube.
The findings also showed that fewer than 2 per cent of internet users have watched Tony Blair’s clip which followed the French elections and less than 1.5 per cent have viewed any of David Cameron’s clips.
So, young people are not choosing to watch political clips on YouTube. No surprise there! Just because politicians use a new media that’s relevant to young people it doesn’t mean that you’re going to get immediate results.
It would be interesting to see the profiles of the few people who have seen the clips and how they have reacted to them. Has seeing them affected their thoughts on politics and politicians?
I would assume that most of the people who have been watching political clips on YouTube are journalist, party activists etc. But it will be interesting to see in the next 12 months if there is organic growth in the viewership and whether, if a really good clip gets made, whether a politician can produce a viral hit!
For the terms of my specific reserach it would be interesting to know how the national figures compare with people looking at clips about politicians or politcial issues in their local area adn whether using YouTube could be more effective at the local level
The findings also showed that fewer than 2 per cent of internet users have watched Tony Blair’s clip which followed the French elections and less than 1.5 per cent have viewed any of David Cameron’s clips.
So, young people are not choosing to watch political clips on YouTube. No surprise there! Just because politicians use a new media that’s relevant to young people it doesn’t mean that you’re going to get immediate results.
It would be interesting to see the profiles of the few people who have seen the clips and how they have reacted to them. Has seeing them affected their thoughts on politics and politicians?
I would assume that most of the people who have been watching political clips on YouTube are journalist, party activists etc. But it will be interesting to see in the next 12 months if there is organic growth in the viewership and whether, if a really good clip gets made, whether a politician can produce a viral hit!
For the terms of my specific reserach it would be interesting to know how the national figures compare with people looking at clips about politicians or politcial issues in their local area adn whether using YouTube could be more effective at the local level
Wednesday 23 May 2007
Widening Net
A couple of developments so far today. I’ve started to widen the net of my research by contacting Jane Young who edits Hackney Today. As the paper is the Council’s newsletter it certainly doesn’t fit in to the category of independent media. However, the team that work on the paper are very much involved in political communication in the Borough and so I’m sure their opinions on how new media can affect this will provide some interesting results. Anyway, Jane and I had a brief conversation on the phone and I have now sent her the questionnaire.
On the Councillors front, I have received another completed questionnaire from Sem Moema. I shall have to start looking at how I’m going to analyse and collate the data but that will be for another day. Despite the lovely weather, I have to get on with working on the EiA newsletter so dissertations will have to take a back seat.
On the Councillors front, I have received another completed questionnaire from Sem Moema. I shall have to start looking at how I’m going to analyse and collate the data but that will be for another day. Despite the lovely weather, I have to get on with working on the EiA newsletter so dissertations will have to take a back seat.
Tuesday 22 May 2007
PS
Just a couple of quick post scripts to mention the fact that I had a really lovely weekend up in Norfolk. True relaxation! Going round Norwich obviousLy brought back memories of university days. I was really pleased to see how much the place has improved over the last decade (not that there was much wrong with it before). The only negative thing was sitting through that mind numbingly dull FA Cup Final. And finally ... I have got my new specs!!
More Feedback
I had an early start this morning to make my 9.00am appointment with Councillor Khan. We had a really good chat in which he brought up a few interesting points particularly about the responsibility older people have in terms of the contribution they can make to encouraging a sense of collective responsibility and political participation among the general population.
He argued that they have both the time and the experience to be engaged in the community and if they did this, it would set a great example for others to follow. He also talked about a few communications ideas which he had implemented in his previous roles with the Council to generate more involvement.
Today’s meeting was just a preliminary chat and we’ll be meeting again to get in to the finer details of the project. As the Speaker of Hackney council, he’s really keen to support this project, even in terms of contacts with other stakeholders. That is absolutely fantastic news.
Beyond that, I finally picked up the questionnaire filled in by Councillor Siddiqui and also received another completed questionnaire from Councillor Christine Boyd. It turns out Luke Akehurst has emailed a copy to all the Labour councillors so hopefully there will be a few more responses on their way soon. We are getting closer to the magic 25 per cent so I’m feeling pretty optimistic at the moment.
He argued that they have both the time and the experience to be engaged in the community and if they did this, it would set a great example for others to follow. He also talked about a few communications ideas which he had implemented in his previous roles with the Council to generate more involvement.
Today’s meeting was just a preliminary chat and we’ll be meeting again to get in to the finer details of the project. As the Speaker of Hackney council, he’s really keen to support this project, even in terms of contacts with other stakeholders. That is absolutely fantastic news.
Beyond that, I finally picked up the questionnaire filled in by Councillor Siddiqui and also received another completed questionnaire from Councillor Christine Boyd. It turns out Luke Akehurst has emailed a copy to all the Labour councillors so hopefully there will be a few more responses on their way soon. We are getting closer to the magic 25 per cent so I’m feeling pretty optimistic at the moment.
Friday 18 May 2007
Under the weather
Been feeling a bit rough over the last couple of days so I haven’t got round to going to collect the filled in questionnaire waiting for me at Hackney Town Hall. I’ll try and pick it up after work today before Clare and I head up to Norfolk to spend the weekend with some Maltese friends who live there. It’ll be my first visit back to the Norwich area for a while after all those fun years at UEA a decade or so ago.
Meanwhile, I’ve also received an email from Michael Desmond telling me he’s also filled in the questionnaire. That’s 8 definite answers so far, although I won’t be getting my hands on his answers for a while as he’s going to ask come activists to fill it in as well. All in all, good news.
If I have a total of ten responses by the time I meet Faizullah Khan on Tuesday, I’ll make a start on some analysis.
Meanwhile, I’ve also received an email from Michael Desmond telling me he’s also filled in the questionnaire. That’s 8 definite answers so far, although I won’t be getting my hands on his answers for a while as he’s going to ask come activists to fill it in as well. All in all, good news.
If I have a total of ten responses by the time I meet Faizullah Khan on Tuesday, I’ll make a start on some analysis.
Wednesday 16 May 2007
Take Two
Got a call from Councillor Siddiqui this morning. He’s filled in the questionnaire again which is good news. I’ll try and go and pick it up after work tomorrow. Hopefully, there’ll be more good news in today’s post.
Tuesday 15 May 2007
Another three responses
Since my last post, I’ve been to Hackney twice in an attempt to collect Councillor Siddiqui’s answers to my questionnaire. It seems it has been lost but I’ve left another copy for him so hopefully in the next day or two I’ll get it back. On the responses front, there has been some progress. Two completed questionnaires turned up in the post this morning and I’ve also received a call from Faizullah Khan, who is the Speaker at the council. I’ve made an appointment to see him today week. He seems pretty keen to help out which is good news. All in all, it looks like I might manage to get my 25 per cent quota after all.
Other news? Well, I’ve had an awful sore throat for the last couple of days. I must have got infected at Stamford Bridge! Also, the lovely people at SpecSavers in Harrow have been screwing me around again. Not content with failing to get my new glasses done by last Saturday (despite them being marked urgent), they have just called to say that they still won’t be done today. Even tomorrow seems unlikely. So, that’s going to be nearly two weeks for an urgent pair of specs. Lovely! Even more annoying, the one pair that they have managed to get ready is faulty. Oh well, still have loads to do today so I’d better quit moaning and get on with it.
Other news? Well, I’ve had an awful sore throat for the last couple of days. I must have got infected at Stamford Bridge! Also, the lovely people at SpecSavers in Harrow have been screwing me around again. Not content with failing to get my new glasses done by last Saturday (despite them being marked urgent), they have just called to say that they still won’t be done today. Even tomorrow seems unlikely. So, that’s going to be nearly two weeks for an urgent pair of specs. Lovely! Even more annoying, the one pair that they have managed to get ready is faulty. Oh well, still have loads to do today so I’d better quit moaning and get on with it.
Sunday 13 May 2007
Survival
Well it looks like we made it (court cases aside). For the first time since we beat Villa in the FA Cup semi final last year I think I can say that I’m a happy Hammer. The last couple of months have been amazing and to think we had to beat Man Utd and Arsenal twice to stay up. Hopefully next year will be a little less stressful.
Strangely enough I ended up at Stamford Bridge today watching Chelsea draw with Everton. Some free tickets came up at work and I thought I’d take them just to distract me from developments at Old Trafford.
Anyway, back to work tomorrow. I’ve done nothing dissertation related this weekend as yesterday we met up with some friends from Malta and then spent the evening watching Eurovision (how exciting!). The trouble is that Tuesday also already looks booked up as I have to do some EiA work and run a few errands and stuff.
I will have to get over to Hackney though even if it’s just to pick up questionnaires. I’ve also got to kick on with research among other stakeholders. Hopefully, that can take centre stage on Wednesday and from then on I should really pull my finger out and get motoring at least until the end of June.
Strangely enough I ended up at Stamford Bridge today watching Chelsea draw with Everton. Some free tickets came up at work and I thought I’d take them just to distract me from developments at Old Trafford.
Anyway, back to work tomorrow. I’ve done nothing dissertation related this weekend as yesterday we met up with some friends from Malta and then spent the evening watching Eurovision (how exciting!). The trouble is that Tuesday also already looks booked up as I have to do some EiA work and run a few errands and stuff.
I will have to get over to Hackney though even if it’s just to pick up questionnaires. I’ve also got to kick on with research among other stakeholders. Hopefully, that can take centre stage on Wednesday and from then on I should really pull my finger out and get motoring at least until the end of June.
Friday 11 May 2007
Wasting Time
There was a bit of excitement at work over the last couple of days as our neighbours, HIS, entertained Madonna. The great Madge even popped in to our office to make a phone call giving me the privilege of saying that I’ve been alone in a room with her. Mind you, she had her back to me at the time so she doesn’t even know that she’s had the privilege of being alone in a room with me.
Moving on, I got a phone call from Councillor Siddiqui today to tell me that he had completed the questionnaire and that he had left it at the Town Hall reception. So, after work, I headed off to Hackney to pick it up. Unfortunately it was nowhere to be found. Hence, the title of today’s post.
Even more unfortunate was the attitude of the guy at reception who, when I asked him to double check, pointing out that the questionnaire would not necessarily be in an envelope addressed to me, went off on one. I had to listen to a load of moaning about how I was doubting that he could do his job. Well, if you speak to people like that mate, you can’t do your job! Never mind. It doesn’t matter.
One final bit of news is that I got a couple of tickets to go and watch Chelsea against Everton on Sunday. It’s a nothing game, which is probably why the season ticket holder who owns them is lending them out. Still, I’ve never been to watch a match at Stamford Bridge and I will laugh (though not out loud) if Chelsea fail to match Liverpool’s record of undefeated home games. It will also provide welcome distraction from worrying about what’s going on at Old Trafford.
Moving on, I got a phone call from Councillor Siddiqui today to tell me that he had completed the questionnaire and that he had left it at the Town Hall reception. So, after work, I headed off to Hackney to pick it up. Unfortunately it was nowhere to be found. Hence, the title of today’s post.
Even more unfortunate was the attitude of the guy at reception who, when I asked him to double check, pointing out that the questionnaire would not necessarily be in an envelope addressed to me, went off on one. I had to listen to a load of moaning about how I was doubting that he could do his job. Well, if you speak to people like that mate, you can’t do your job! Never mind. It doesn’t matter.
One final bit of news is that I got a couple of tickets to go and watch Chelsea against Everton on Sunday. It’s a nothing game, which is probably why the season ticket holder who owns them is lending them out. Still, I’ve never been to watch a match at Stamford Bridge and I will laugh (though not out loud) if Chelsea fail to match Liverpool’s record of undefeated home games. It will also provide welcome distraction from worrying about what’s going on at Old Trafford.
Wednesday 9 May 2007
If it's Wednesday ...
… it must mean a trip to Hackney. I think the receptionist at the Town Hall must be wondering what I’m up to. Anyway, after a morning printing and stuffing envelopes I’ve now left questionnaires in the pigeon holes of all the remaining councillors. I’ll give them a couple of days and then start chasing up. I’ve given them a deadline for the beginning of June so let’s hope within the month I get the dozen or so replies I need.
Monday 7 May 2007
On Holiday
I can't decide whether I care about the results of the French election. Clare's certainly not amused. Regardless of the outcome, I have to repeat what I said after the first round which is that it's the clearest sign there ever was that people in Western Europe still care about politics especially when there are important issues and philosophical differences between the parties.
Perhaps if Labour and the Conservatives believed in debate and ideas rather than just political marketing in the pursuit of power, we might get something similar! Oooh, I'm such a cynic sometimes!
Anyway, moving on. It's been an exciting bank holiday Monday waiting for the rain to clear before going shopping! I’ve also been catching up on some EiA work, updating texts on some of the programmes they have been running, or are about to run in Bexley, Newham and with the DfES. Hopefully, we’ll get the website updated soon and send out a newsletter.
I’ve also sent off a couple of emails to follow up the questionnaires I left at Hackney Town Hall last Wednesday. That’s about it really. We can’t really get up to much at the moment because having broken my glasses and having had to spend £290 to replace them, money’s a bit tight (to put it mildly). Oh, the joys of being a student! Never mind, we’ll just have to be careful this month.
Perhaps if Labour and the Conservatives believed in debate and ideas rather than just political marketing in the pursuit of power, we might get something similar! Oooh, I'm such a cynic sometimes!
Anyway, moving on. It's been an exciting bank holiday Monday waiting for the rain to clear before going shopping! I’ve also been catching up on some EiA work, updating texts on some of the programmes they have been running, or are about to run in Bexley, Newham and with the DfES. Hopefully, we’ll get the website updated soon and send out a newsletter.
I’ve also sent off a couple of emails to follow up the questionnaires I left at Hackney Town Hall last Wednesday. That’s about it really. We can’t really get up to much at the moment because having broken my glasses and having had to spend £290 to replace them, money’s a bit tight (to put it mildly). Oh, the joys of being a student! Never mind, we’ll just have to be careful this month.
Saturday 5 May 2007
New Push
I've just spent a couple of hours printing out letters and questionnaires for councillors who never replied to my original email. Hopefully, this will generate a few more replies. It's the kind of boring spade work that takes ages but it's got to be done if you want primary data. I'm determined to get at least 15 councillors involved so I'll just haveto keep plugging away.
Meanwhile, I am also having a very nervous afternoon following the football. It looks like we're going to win although Bolton's goal and Fulham's against Liverpool is causing a few jitters. Common you Irons!! Just twenty minutes to go and we could be out of the bottom three.
Meanwhile, I am also having a very nervous afternoon following the football. It looks like we're going to win although Bolton's goal and Fulham's against Liverpool is causing a few jitters. Common you Irons!! Just twenty minutes to go and we could be out of the bottom three.
Friday 4 May 2007
Elections 2
One of the interesting things that came out in my last interview in Hackney was the fact that a few votes, and by a few I mean dozens, can have a dramatic effect on the results. This is becuse turnout is generally so low. So all these 'dramatic' figures about the results can not be analysed until we know what the turn out was.
Overall, the percentage of votes seems to have stayed pretty much as it was at the last council elections so not much has changed. Where does that leave Labour and the Conservatives? In an interesting battle over the next general election I reckon. Hopefully a close contest (we'll have to see if it will be a good one) will help concentrate minds on the issues this countty faces and help to drive turn out up.
Overall, the percentage of votes seems to have stayed pretty much as it was at the last council elections so not much has changed. Where does that leave Labour and the Conservatives? In an interesting battle over the next general election I reckon. Hopefully a close contest (we'll have to see if it will be a good one) will help concentrate minds on the issues this countty faces and help to drive turn out up.
Wednesday 2 May 2007
Interview # 3
A bit of a mixed bag kind of day today. It started off with the printer running out of ink and me breaking my glasses. Lots of squinting ensued! I also had to do the laundry which is very dull but at least gave me the opportunity to make good progres through the Christopher Meyers book. It seems George W is quite smart after all. It's just he's not very good at public speaking. Well I never!
Small local difficulties aside, I’ve now finished my third interview, with Angus Mulready Jones. At 23 he’s very young for a councillor, wouldn’t you say? Well, if ever there was an example of a young person interested in politics …
In actual fact I would say that of those interviewed so far he seemed to be the most sceptical about the potential for new media in helping tackle political engagement. But I’ll have to go over the recordings of the interviews again once I’m finished to make sure my perceptions aren’t wrong.
While I was over at the Town Hall, I also left a few questionnaires in the pigeon holes of councillors who had previously expressed an interest in this project. I think I might just leave a copy for everyone next time I go over there. It won’t do any harm. Besides, I think I need 25 per cent of the council to respond which means 14 or 15 councillors so there’s still a bit of work to be done on the recruitment front.
Small local difficulties aside, I’ve now finished my third interview, with Angus Mulready Jones. At 23 he’s very young for a councillor, wouldn’t you say? Well, if ever there was an example of a young person interested in politics …
In actual fact I would say that of those interviewed so far he seemed to be the most sceptical about the potential for new media in helping tackle political engagement. But I’ll have to go over the recordings of the interviews again once I’m finished to make sure my perceptions aren’t wrong.
While I was over at the Town Hall, I also left a few questionnaires in the pigeon holes of councillors who had previously expressed an interest in this project. I think I might just leave a copy for everyone next time I go over there. It won’t do any harm. Besides, I think I need 25 per cent of the council to respond which means 14 or 15 councillors so there’s still a bit of work to be done on the recruitment front.
Monday 30 April 2007
New Appointment
I’ve got myself another interview for this coming Wednesday with Labour Councillor Angus Mulready Jones. I’ll be able to kill two birds with one stone as I had already planned to head over to Hackney Town Hall on Wednesday to deliver some questionnaires. This guy sounds very keen on the concept of my dissertation so hopefully I will also have a new ally in trying to get as much participation as possible. You never know, within a few weeks some clear patterns on what politicians in Hackney think about the potential of new media in tackling apathy among young voters might emerge.
On to completely different matters, I noticed today that one of my favourite teenage haunts has closed down. 15 years ago I used to practically live at Steve’s Sounds on Newport Court near Leicester Square. I was amazed when we cam back in September to see it was still open. No longer it seems. I suppose everyone’s downloading stuff now and there’s no need to go to a shop to buy music. The joys of progress!!
On to completely different matters, I noticed today that one of my favourite teenage haunts has closed down. 15 years ago I used to practically live at Steve’s Sounds on Newport Court near Leicester Square. I was amazed when we cam back in September to see it was still open. No longer it seems. I suppose everyone’s downloading stuff now and there’s no need to go to a shop to buy music. The joys of progress!!
Sunday 29 April 2007
Post Number 50!!
All things considered it’s been a fairly relaxed couple of days. Work has been fairly busy but when I think of my previous life in Malta, it’s a doddle. I noticed on the Times of Malta website that HSBC had their AGM recently. That brought back loads of happy memories. I wonder how this year’s corporate video turned out. Really, I do wonder … honest!!
I also got round to conducting my second interview, with Luke Akehurst, who is the Labour whip on the Hackney Council. There were some striking differences between his thoughts and those I heard on Tuesday. There were also some surprising similarities considering the completely different nature and background of the two men. Hopefully, there will be more opinions added to the mix over the next week. I might then be bale to start making some general observations about the perception of politicians on the potential of new media.
Clare’s still got a few projects to finish off before she starts her dissertation work. While she does that, I’m being left with quite a bit of time to kill. I’ve used it to finally finish reading Andrew Marr’s My Trade. I should have read it all before I wrote my last essay but there just aren’t enough hours in the day. I’ve also started reading Christopher Meyer’s book on his time as UK Ambassador in Washington between 1997 and 2003. It should be interesting!
I also got round to watching Chariots Of Fire. It’s a film that’s been on my to watch list for about 20 years. Why? Well, it’s because of the Eltham College connection, which is where Eric Liddell studied. The building I spent my teenage years in was called Eric Liddell House so I’ve kind of always felt morally obliged to watch the film. Now, at last I have although, of course, it didn’t really tell me anything I didn’t know already. Still, it’s always fascinating to see, and think about, characters of such principled convictions.
Last thought … West Ham might actually really survive! Great win yesterday and considering Arsenal’s win today and the news from Bolton, it’s actually starting to look genuinely possible. That said, we’ll probably concede four next week.
I also got round to conducting my second interview, with Luke Akehurst, who is the Labour whip on the Hackney Council. There were some striking differences between his thoughts and those I heard on Tuesday. There were also some surprising similarities considering the completely different nature and background of the two men. Hopefully, there will be more opinions added to the mix over the next week. I might then be bale to start making some general observations about the perception of politicians on the potential of new media.
Clare’s still got a few projects to finish off before she starts her dissertation work. While she does that, I’m being left with quite a bit of time to kill. I’ve used it to finally finish reading Andrew Marr’s My Trade. I should have read it all before I wrote my last essay but there just aren’t enough hours in the day. I’ve also started reading Christopher Meyer’s book on his time as UK Ambassador in Washington between 1997 and 2003. It should be interesting!
I also got round to watching Chariots Of Fire. It’s a film that’s been on my to watch list for about 20 years. Why? Well, it’s because of the Eltham College connection, which is where Eric Liddell studied. The building I spent my teenage years in was called Eric Liddell House so I’ve kind of always felt morally obliged to watch the film. Now, at last I have although, of course, it didn’t really tell me anything I didn’t know already. Still, it’s always fascinating to see, and think about, characters of such principled convictions.
Last thought … West Ham might actually really survive! Great win yesterday and considering Arsenal’s win today and the news from Bolton, it’s actually starting to look genuinely possible. That said, we’ll probably concede four next week.
Tuesday 24 April 2007
An End & A Beginning
I’ve been a bit quiet for a few days. That’s because I had to finish off my last essay, on how new technology influences the relationship between media and politics. Rather than go on about it here, I will wait for some feedback on it from the University and if it’s any good post it. Hopefully, that will happen in a couple of weeks or so. Working on that essay, and working at the office, have left me without a day off for some time. That will change tomorrow!
Meanwhile, with the last of my module work done, I’ve actually made a start on collecting information for my dissertation. This morning I went over to Hackney and spoke to the Conservative councillor Shuja Shaikh for a good two hours on the issues of young people and politics and the role new media could play to increase communication between the two sides as well as greater participation in elections and politics more generally. Again, I won’t go in to much detail as I would rather get a reasonable amount of information together first and then make some analytical comments rather than just reporting one offs. Still it’s fair to say the conversation provides some interesting points to think about.
What else is there to say? The West Ham rollercoaster ride continues. Disaster at Sheffield followed by victory against Everton. I think I should place a bet on losing to Wigan and then going on to beat Bolton and Man Utd. Also, I must give a brief mention to the results of the first round of voting in the French Presidential election. That put a spanner in the works for all the doom merchants who claim elective democracies are in decline. I suppose we all get a bit complacent at times but when there’s a real contest, a real desire for change or a clear realisation of the dangers of not voting (Le Pen’s success last time round surely played a part) then how much people care about the things we gain from living in democracies shines through.
Meanwhile, with the last of my module work done, I’ve actually made a start on collecting information for my dissertation. This morning I went over to Hackney and spoke to the Conservative councillor Shuja Shaikh for a good two hours on the issues of young people and politics and the role new media could play to increase communication between the two sides as well as greater participation in elections and politics more generally. Again, I won’t go in to much detail as I would rather get a reasonable amount of information together first and then make some analytical comments rather than just reporting one offs. Still it’s fair to say the conversation provides some interesting points to think about.
What else is there to say? The West Ham rollercoaster ride continues. Disaster at Sheffield followed by victory against Everton. I think I should place a bet on losing to Wigan and then going on to beat Bolton and Man Utd. Also, I must give a brief mention to the results of the first round of voting in the French Presidential election. That put a spanner in the works for all the doom merchants who claim elective democracies are in decline. I suppose we all get a bit complacent at times but when there’s a real contest, a real desire for change or a clear realisation of the dangers of not voting (Le Pen’s success last time round surely played a part) then how much people care about the things we gain from living in democracies shines through.
Tuesday 17 April 2007
New Media & Politics (Again!)
I left off yesterday talking about the immediacy with which new media can react to events increasing pressure on politicians. It seems to be a double edged sword. Politicians are subject to more scrutiny and more pressure but they are also far more likely to find an outlet to defend them. It seems this is what has been happening in the United States (see http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/05/AR2006100501811.html) It also seems that this doesn’t necessarily improve debate but just makes politics more personal and negative.
I still think there is potential for new media from the point of view of the politician to engage more directly with the public though. A quick example is the Number 10 e-petition website. Now, I know it’s very difficult to draw any definite conclusions but I had a quick look at the first 200 out of 855 petitions that are open at the moment and as far as I could see there was only 1 about the environment and none about the NHS. Most seem to be about constitutional or local matters! I thought that was a bit strange.
Granted people who set up e-petitions on the Downing Street website are more likely to be interested in politics as a general subject than most people but surely if we are all so concerned about the NHS and the environment there would be a few more. Maybe new media can help politicians to understand what is really on the nation’s mind. Establishing that this is different from what the media wants to be on the national agenda will undoubtedly have an affect on the relationship between media and politics. This disparity between what people are really thinking and what the media say people are thinking has already been an issue in previous elections when matters such as the single currency were top of the media agenda but not of the electorates.
Being better able to perceive what is really going on in people’s minds could make politicians more responsive and therefore create more interest. This is what Philip Gould and Peter Mandelson did for Tony Blair through their focus groups in the mid-90s. The only problem there was that they tried to satisfy everyone.
New media can play an important role in keeping politicians informed of public opinion (at least the opinion of those who are online which causes problems!) but this information needs to be used as a tool to inform policy. New Labour’s mistake was to become a slave to that information rather than using it to lead the policy debate. Still, as far as the relationship between media and politics goes, I think that everything is still so uncertain. The only thing that seems certain is fragmentation. God know how we’re going to make sense of it all
PS – While at the Downing Street e-petition site I signed the petition set up by Steven Bainbridge ‘to halt plans for an elected House of Lords, keeping the current appointment system.’ The last thing we need are more elected politicians following party lines like sheep and not really debating issues. For all its faults at least the Lords don’t care so much about what their parties say, nor for that matter, about what is popular. This gives them a great opportunity to contribute constructively to developing sensible, sustainable legislation, something they should do more often!
I still think there is potential for new media from the point of view of the politician to engage more directly with the public though. A quick example is the Number 10 e-petition website. Now, I know it’s very difficult to draw any definite conclusions but I had a quick look at the first 200 out of 855 petitions that are open at the moment and as far as I could see there was only 1 about the environment and none about the NHS. Most seem to be about constitutional or local matters! I thought that was a bit strange.
Granted people who set up e-petitions on the Downing Street website are more likely to be interested in politics as a general subject than most people but surely if we are all so concerned about the NHS and the environment there would be a few more. Maybe new media can help politicians to understand what is really on the nation’s mind. Establishing that this is different from what the media wants to be on the national agenda will undoubtedly have an affect on the relationship between media and politics. This disparity between what people are really thinking and what the media say people are thinking has already been an issue in previous elections when matters such as the single currency were top of the media agenda but not of the electorates.
Being better able to perceive what is really going on in people’s minds could make politicians more responsive and therefore create more interest. This is what Philip Gould and Peter Mandelson did for Tony Blair through their focus groups in the mid-90s. The only problem there was that they tried to satisfy everyone.
New media can play an important role in keeping politicians informed of public opinion (at least the opinion of those who are online which causes problems!) but this information needs to be used as a tool to inform policy. New Labour’s mistake was to become a slave to that information rather than using it to lead the policy debate. Still, as far as the relationship between media and politics goes, I think that everything is still so uncertain. The only thing that seems certain is fragmentation. God know how we’re going to make sense of it all
PS – While at the Downing Street e-petition site I signed the petition set up by Steven Bainbridge ‘to halt plans for an elected House of Lords, keeping the current appointment system.’ The last thing we need are more elected politicians following party lines like sheep and not really debating issues. For all its faults at least the Lords don’t care so much about what their parties say, nor for that matter, about what is popular. This gives them a great opportunity to contribute constructively to developing sensible, sustainable legislation, something they should do more often!
Monday 16 April 2007
More ABCs
A small step in my London PR career. Jim Bilton used half a line of the press release I sent him on CITY A.M. and the ABCs in his article in today’s Media Guardian. So that’s my first hit in a national then. Lord Bell will be quacking in his boots!! Joking apart, the important thing here is that it gives me some ready made analysis to refer to when thinking about the relative strength of the national media vis-Ã -vis politics.
What would be really useful would be to see some audited figures for use of national newspapers’ websites. I think politicians will be relishing the fragmentation of media and the decline of printed newspapers. But as far as I can see there's no way that people’s thirst for news is diminishing. So, are newspaper readers staying loyal to the titles they’ve always read but choosing not to buy the paper version? In fact, they’re probably reading a greater variety of news sources.
So, to get back to the question of how new media is influencing the relationship between media and politics, it seems to me that those media outlets that have the best online strategy will continue to succeed (once they work out how to make real money from the internet). Will the relationship change? Or will it just be the format?
The internet will always give politics a direct route to the public and this inevitably affects the relationship but in the end media brands still retain loyalty and people will still refer to them for a steer on what really lies behind what the politicians are saying.
Rather than getting better for the politicians, the arrival of online media with its immediacy could make things worse but I'll go in to that tomorrow as if I spend much longer at the computer i'll be in trouble (and rightly so!)
What would be really useful would be to see some audited figures for use of national newspapers’ websites. I think politicians will be relishing the fragmentation of media and the decline of printed newspapers. But as far as I can see there's no way that people’s thirst for news is diminishing. So, are newspaper readers staying loyal to the titles they’ve always read but choosing not to buy the paper version? In fact, they’re probably reading a greater variety of news sources.
So, to get back to the question of how new media is influencing the relationship between media and politics, it seems to me that those media outlets that have the best online strategy will continue to succeed (once they work out how to make real money from the internet). Will the relationship change? Or will it just be the format?
The internet will always give politics a direct route to the public and this inevitably affects the relationship but in the end media brands still retain loyalty and people will still refer to them for a steer on what really lies behind what the politicians are saying.
Rather than getting better for the politicians, the arrival of online media with its immediacy could make things worse but I'll go in to that tomorrow as if I spend much longer at the computer i'll be in trouble (and rightly so!)
Sunday 15 April 2007
Uploading
I’ve spent most of today working on my dissertation questionnaire for politicians and journalists in Hackney. I should be working on my essay but as my first interview (with Councillor Shuja Shaik) is only just over a week away, I really had no option but to make some real progress on it.
With a little help from Clare, I think I’m almost there now and I have uploaded it on to this site just in case anyone out there who’s interested in politics and or Hackney wants to fill it in. It can be found under ‘Dissertation Questionnaire’ in the column on the right. Any comments or suggestions are welcome.
I’ve also finally got round to uploading a scan of my interview with Michael Vella, the Hull Kingston Rovers player, which The Sunday Times in Malta published on 25 March. Yes, I know I’m very efficient! You can have a look in the ‘Published Articles’ section also in the column on the right.
With a little help from Clare, I think I’m almost there now and I have uploaded it on to this site just in case anyone out there who’s interested in politics and or Hackney wants to fill it in. It can be found under ‘Dissertation Questionnaire’ in the column on the right. Any comments or suggestions are welcome.
I’ve also finally got round to uploading a scan of my interview with Michael Vella, the Hull Kingston Rovers player, which The Sunday Times in Malta published on 25 March. Yes, I know I’m very efficient! You can have a look in the ‘Published Articles’ section also in the column on the right.
Saturday 14 April 2007
ABCs
Oh dear! A bit of a disaster for the Hammers today. I was just about ready to start believing we might escape the drop after the win at Arsenal. I knew it was too good to be true. I’ve not got much to report on the research front as I was at work on Thursday and Friday. I haven’t done anything today either as we’ve been running around Harrow shopping and trying, unsuccessfully, to sort some banking stuff out. This comes after a rather late night out celebrating a birthday in Balham last night. Anyway, hopefully, I’ll manage to get something done this evening.
One comment I wanted to make refers back to the ABC figures I mentioned in my last post. I thought there was quite a mixed picture but the fact remains that newspaper readership in the UK remains very high and quite stable. This means that traditional media still retain massive power in setting the news agenda and therefore dictating what the politicians talk about. It just confirms my thesis for this last essay I’m working on which is that politicians hope new media will affect the balance of power between them and the media but in the end I don’t think the change is going to happen any time soon.
One comment I wanted to make refers back to the ABC figures I mentioned in my last post. I thought there was quite a mixed picture but the fact remains that newspaper readership in the UK remains very high and quite stable. This means that traditional media still retain massive power in setting the news agenda and therefore dictating what the politicians talk about. It just confirms my thesis for this last essay I’m working on which is that politicians hope new media will affect the balance of power between them and the media but in the end I don’t think the change is going to happen any time soon.
Wednesday 11 April 2007
Media Power
After a day at the office yesterday, I have finally got round to starting work on my final essay of the year which will be looking at how new technology has affected the traditional relationship between media and politics. I’ve started doing a bit of background reading and have added three books, by Andrew Marr, John Lloyd and Steven Barnett and Ivor Gaber, to the ‘Reading List’ section. Hopefully, they’ll provide some good starting points for whatever argument I decide to construct on the issue.
I suppose new technology is inevitably affecting the relationship with politicians perceiving it as a means, finally, to brake away from the power of the ‘middlemen’ and speak directly to the public. I’m not sure that the end of the traditional press men is that close though. Changing formats, such as freesheets, seem to be keeping old media well in the fight. This week’s ABC figures might give us some interesting clues.
Of course Ofcom have reported a massive decline in use of traditional media among teenagers. It seems therefore that the mutual dependency which has kept politics and media in a love hate relationship since the Victorian era is waning. Will this be good for democracy?
I suppose new technology is inevitably affecting the relationship with politicians perceiving it as a means, finally, to brake away from the power of the ‘middlemen’ and speak directly to the public. I’m not sure that the end of the traditional press men is that close though. Changing formats, such as freesheets, seem to be keeping old media well in the fight. This week’s ABC figures might give us some interesting clues.
Of course Ofcom have reported a massive decline in use of traditional media among teenagers. It seems therefore that the mutual dependency which has kept politics and media in a love hate relationship since the Victorian era is waning. Will this be good for democracy?
Sunday 8 April 2007
Kissing & Cuddling
Here's a story from Sky News referring to the latest political 'scandal'. Of course, I would imagine this story has been kept up someone's sleeve for a while. The SNP's challenge to Labout plus Mr MacNeil's direct involvement with the instigation of the cash for honours investigation is bound to have earnt him a few enemies.
It is also touches one of the big debates in political communication. It's the issue of how much damage you do to the reputation of politics and politicians in general when you rubbish your opponent. Negative campaigning is a marketing trick which politcics has embraced without much benefit!
'Kissing And Cuddling'
Updated: 18:47, Sunday April 08, 2007
An MP has made a public apology to his family after a newspaper revealed he had a "drunken romp" with two teenagers.
The SNP's Angus MacNeil admitted his part in an incident, where he was reported to have kissed the girls in a hotel room.
He described the meeting as "wrong and stupid".
It was Mr MacNeil's complaint to police that sparked the ongoing cash for honours investigation.
The Western Isles MP, 36, apologised for the "embarrassment and hurt" caused by his actions.
Judie Morrison and Catriona Watt had told the Sunday Mail about the encounter in Shetland, in July 2005, when they were aged 17 and 18.
It was reported to have taken place weeks before Mr MacNeil's wife gave birth to their child.
Mr MacNeil said in a statement: "There is no allegation that anything further happened and I wish to make that absolutely clear.
"It was a lapse of judgement two years ago, for which I am sorry."
Judie and Catriona, from the Isle of Lewis, who study music in Glasgow, had been on a pub crawl when they met the MP in a hotel.
Judie, now 19, said he bought them lots of drinks before asking if they wanted to go to his room.
The student told the Sunday Mail: "We all ended up kissing and cuddling together but I was not kissing and cuddling with Catriona."
It is also touches one of the big debates in political communication. It's the issue of how much damage you do to the reputation of politics and politicians in general when you rubbish your opponent. Negative campaigning is a marketing trick which politcics has embraced without much benefit!
'Kissing And Cuddling'
Updated: 18:47, Sunday April 08, 2007
An MP has made a public apology to his family after a newspaper revealed he had a "drunken romp" with two teenagers.
The SNP's Angus MacNeil admitted his part in an incident, where he was reported to have kissed the girls in a hotel room.
He described the meeting as "wrong and stupid".
It was Mr MacNeil's complaint to police that sparked the ongoing cash for honours investigation.
The Western Isles MP, 36, apologised for the "embarrassment and hurt" caused by his actions.
Judie Morrison and Catriona Watt had told the Sunday Mail about the encounter in Shetland, in July 2005, when they were aged 17 and 18.
It was reported to have taken place weeks before Mr MacNeil's wife gave birth to their child.
Mr MacNeil said in a statement: "There is no allegation that anything further happened and I wish to make that absolutely clear.
"It was a lapse of judgement two years ago, for which I am sorry."
Judie and Catriona, from the Isle of Lewis, who study music in Glasgow, had been on a pub crawl when they met the MP in a hotel.
Judie, now 19, said he bought them lots of drinks before asking if they wanted to go to his room.
The student told the Sunday Mail: "We all ended up kissing and cuddling together but I was not kissing and cuddling with Catriona."
Saturday 7 April 2007
Rowing?
It looks like it is going to be a nice day so we will be going to the boat race. I have no interest in rowing really, nor in Oxford or Cambridge. But one of the strange things about living with people who come from all over the world is this strange urge to show them really English stuff, most of which you've never even seen yourself. Regardless of the sporting activity, I'm sure the picnic will be fun. Clare will want to go to church this evening so I will have to make sure I go easy on the beer.
I've also just learnt that Entreprenuers in Action have won a new contract with the DfES so i'll have to get on to that on Monday. I've got a few calls to make and a few write ups to sort out on that front so it looks like the bank holiday is booked up. Somehwere I've got to fit in my essay. I've been thinking about how to get hold of some journalists to talk to about how new media is changing the relationship between media and politics. It's like trying to get blood out of stone although I can always refer back to the thoughts Lawrence Shaw gave me a couple of months back.
Finally, a quick one liner on the now concluded Iran incident. In PR terms, I think Iran views its most important audiences as the internal one (obviously) and the midle east in general, where it is working hard to ensure it secures it's position as teh region's leading power at the expense of Saudi Arabia. In that respect, job well done. Whether in the long term their strategy continues to be as successful as it has been over the past three or four years is another question.
I've also just learnt that Entreprenuers in Action have won a new contract with the DfES so i'll have to get on to that on Monday. I've got a few calls to make and a few write ups to sort out on that front so it looks like the bank holiday is booked up. Somehwere I've got to fit in my essay. I've been thinking about how to get hold of some journalists to talk to about how new media is changing the relationship between media and politics. It's like trying to get blood out of stone although I can always refer back to the thoughts Lawrence Shaw gave me a couple of months back.
Finally, a quick one liner on the now concluded Iran incident. In PR terms, I think Iran views its most important audiences as the internal one (obviously) and the midle east in general, where it is working hard to ensure it secures it's position as teh region's leading power at the expense of Saudi Arabia. In that respect, job well done. Whether in the long term their strategy continues to be as successful as it has been over the past three or four years is another question.
Friday 6 April 2007
End of Term
Pointless fact of the day: There was a time when there were 500 spelling variations for the word ‘through’ and sixty variations for ‘she’! Where did I learn this? From Melvyn Bragg’s ‘The Adventure of English’ which I am reading at the moment. It’s packed full of bizarre and fascinating facts about the language and a pretty entertaining read.
Anyway, what’s been going on over the last few days? The formal classes for my Masters have now ended. Our last lobbying class on Tuesday ended in the pub, which then caught fire. On Wednesday I presented the political communications campaign plan by myself following illness and foreign travel by team mates. Our ideas for raising awareness about STDs among teenagers seem to go down well with the lecturers. We’ve been going on about new media so much now it’s starting to sound old. Now, it’s just a case of waiting for all the marks to come in.
Speaking of which, a mark did come in at the end of our last core module class in for which our guest speakers came from TfL. The assignment in questions was this blog. It seems to have gone down well as I got a 75 for it! Apparently I can be quite humorous which was somewhat surprising. All that’s left to do now is a final essay for political communications and my dissertation on perceptions about the potential of new media in political communications. Luckily enough one of the essay titles in political comms covers this specific subject so I’ll be killing two birds with one stone.
The quest to get some MP input for the dissertation seems to be going rather badly as both Dianne Abbott and Meg Hillier seem unable to take part at the moment. I am still deciding whether I am going to be a pest about it and keep trying. Maybe, once the summer holidays arrive they’ll have a little more time to spare. Maybe. I still have to hear from Tom Watson but I suppose everyone’s away for Easter so I won’t chase up again for another couple of weeks. There’s no great rush at the moment.
Yesterday was also my last day as a ‘temp’ at Propeller. After Easter, I’ll become a proper employee, which is good news! At least there’ll be a bit more money coming in so we won’t have to stay cooped up in our little studio on the Harrow campus so much. It also looks like I’ll be doing some proper client work too, initially for CITY A.M. It’ll be good to get back into doing some proper PR after this sabbatical.
In the meantime, I’ll just enjoy the weekend. I might do some work on my dissertation questionnaire but as it seems like the weather’s going to stay fine we’re thinking of going to watch the boat race. We’ll see.
Anyway, what’s been going on over the last few days? The formal classes for my Masters have now ended. Our last lobbying class on Tuesday ended in the pub, which then caught fire. On Wednesday I presented the political communications campaign plan by myself following illness and foreign travel by team mates. Our ideas for raising awareness about STDs among teenagers seem to go down well with the lecturers. We’ve been going on about new media so much now it’s starting to sound old. Now, it’s just a case of waiting for all the marks to come in.
Speaking of which, a mark did come in at the end of our last core module class in for which our guest speakers came from TfL. The assignment in questions was this blog. It seems to have gone down well as I got a 75 for it! Apparently I can be quite humorous which was somewhat surprising. All that’s left to do now is a final essay for political communications and my dissertation on perceptions about the potential of new media in political communications. Luckily enough one of the essay titles in political comms covers this specific subject so I’ll be killing two birds with one stone.
The quest to get some MP input for the dissertation seems to be going rather badly as both Dianne Abbott and Meg Hillier seem unable to take part at the moment. I am still deciding whether I am going to be a pest about it and keep trying. Maybe, once the summer holidays arrive they’ll have a little more time to spare. Maybe. I still have to hear from Tom Watson but I suppose everyone’s away for Easter so I won’t chase up again for another couple of weeks. There’s no great rush at the moment.
Yesterday was also my last day as a ‘temp’ at Propeller. After Easter, I’ll become a proper employee, which is good news! At least there’ll be a bit more money coming in so we won’t have to stay cooped up in our little studio on the Harrow campus so much. It also looks like I’ll be doing some proper client work too, initially for CITY A.M. It’ll be good to get back into doing some proper PR after this sabbatical.
In the meantime, I’ll just enjoy the weekend. I might do some work on my dissertation questionnaire but as it seems like the weather’s going to stay fine we’re thinking of going to watch the boat race. We’ll see.
Thursday 29 March 2007
Progress .... Sort of
Well, over a week has gone by and there’s been no news from the MPs on whether they’re interested in taking part in the research. I shall have to hassle them I suppose. Things are looking a bit brighter on the local politicians front. I have had quite a few responses from local councilors and two face-to-face interviews have been finalised. Hopefully, in the next couple of weeks things will calm down a little and I’ll be able to focus a lot more energy on getting things set up. Meanwhile, it’s just office work and trying to get my remaining assignments done before we break for Easter.
Tuesday evening’s PA strategy presentation went OK, I think. Mind you, I did get stuck on a question after I’d finished which was a pain. Oh well, it’ll be perfect next time.
I also forgot to mention that I had my interview with Michael Vella, the rugby league player who plays with Hull Kingston Rovers, published last Sunday. My dear old Mum has sent me a scan of it but it’s not quite good enough to upload. So, I will just have to wait for the paper to send it to me. That should take about three months then.
Tuesday evening’s PA strategy presentation went OK, I think. Mind you, I did get stuck on a question after I’d finished which was a pain. Oh well, it’ll be perfect next time.
I also forgot to mention that I had my interview with Michael Vella, the rugby league player who plays with Hull Kingston Rovers, published last Sunday. My dear old Mum has sent me a scan of it but it’s not quite good enough to upload. So, I will just have to wait for the paper to send it to me. That should take about three months then.
Monday 26 March 2007
Back from the North
Over the weekend I didn't work on this project. As we were in Stockholm, I took the opportunity to wonder around by myself while Clare did her cross cultural communication stuff. My tourist experiences took in the Army Museum and the History Museum. Clare did manage to get enough free time for us to go round the old town together. Overall, I'd have to say that it was a very pleasant if rather expensive weekend.
I've also got two presentations coming up as we end the near of the organised study modules on the course. The first one, tomorrow, will be a Public Affairs strategy for Entrepreneurs in Action. The second, for tomorrow week, will be a political communications campaign on rasing awarenes about sexually transmitted diseases. I'm also in at Propeller four days this week. In other words, there's not going to be much time to work on research for this particular project.
Still, when I have something new to add, I will.
I've also got two presentations coming up as we end the near of the organised study modules on the course. The first one, tomorrow, will be a Public Affairs strategy for Entrepreneurs in Action. The second, for tomorrow week, will be a political communications campaign on rasing awarenes about sexually transmitted diseases. I'm also in at Propeller four days this week. In other words, there's not going to be much time to work on research for this particular project.
Still, when I have something new to add, I will.
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