Online question time
Only time will tell whether action following the G20 summit in London will restore worldwide financial stability.
However, the event has already sent a strong signal about the importance of online journalism in raising awareness of big political issues amongst the masses.
It did this by claiming a world first in giving bloggers the same access, recognition and authorisation as professional reporters.
The bevy of bloggers (amongst them 14 year old James Simmonds – the youngest person ever to receive accreditation – how’s that for reaching the youth market?) were charged with posting onto the G20 Voice live feed which was followed and commented upon by readers across the globe.
By giving bloggers unprecedented access, it has opened up political debate – moving it beyond the confines of the traditional media and increasing the opportunity to get the public interested and involved.
This democratising process was given a helping hand by the London Summit’s use of Yoosk? – enabling bloggers to ask politicians direct questions. Again another first. This level of engagement did not take place before the advance of digital technology.
G20’s example provides evidence that social networking is growing up and can handle the big issues. It has shown that it is no longer simply a place for celebrity gossip and if the prime minister can take questions from bloggers shouldn’t we?