Do bloggers have any power?

As part of the Today Programme Christmas poll about who runs the country they broadcast a short discussion on bloggers, and what kind of power they wield.
Judy of adloyda and Tim Ireland of bloggerheads took part in the discussion and raised some interesting points:

> Britain leads the way in constructive use of weblogs – MP’s and councillors are engaging in public meetings which take place in cyberspace.
> This compares to the US where blogging is predominantly a tool for people to shout from outside of the system – making noise but not necessarily engaging in debate.
> Blogging also provides a forum for people to stand-up to the establishment and tell the real story – Iran and Iraq were quoted with bloggers playing a role in countering the news stories and the government line.

You can listen again to the discussion here.

Matt

Comments

[Jozef Imrich]

Seasonal Greetings Matt, As the late, great A.J. Liebling pointed out, "Freedom of the press belongs to the man who owns one." Blogging and online journalism has given new meaning to this ... PS: Power to the People: Matthew Cookson uncovers John Lennon's radical past 25 years after his death - John Lennon was murdered in New York 25 years ago. This year has seen a slew of articles about the former Beatle's life. One key aspect that few of the media remembrances touch upon is Lennon's radical politics, but these were integral to his music, particularly in the later Beatles years and after Working Class Hero