What do Apps have to do with Affairs of State? When are Memes a Political Matter?
Whenever we plan our Albion Society events (where we provide the speakers and the big themes and the breakfast goods) we look for the most pertinent ideas in society and think about how they relate to what’s going on in our industry. And what could be more pertinent right now, than the looming election?
We started building a panel and have secured an amazingly diverse and relevant selection of heavyweights!
Politicians and Journalists have always been intimate (if sometimes antagonistic) bedfellows. Discussing that special relationship, how it’s been changing and the great paid vs. free content debate we have none other than Alan Rusbridger, Editor in Chief of The Guardian. We’re really excited to have him.
Something else we’d noticed to be a new theme in this election was the rise of coordinated blogging as a force with political sway. We were thinking that blogging seems to be the new lobbying and that online communities could be the new block votes (you know, like the Christian right is in the U.S.). To talk about this we know no one better than Justine Roberts. As the Founder of Mumsnet, she’s second to none when it comes to organising an online community and using their collective clout. Impressive.
Approaching the subject from the other end of the media spectrum is Tess Alps, Chief Executive of the television umbrella organisation, Thinkbox. We really wanted her involved because this will be the first election to have the televised debates that are traditional in the U.S. So among other things she’ll be talking to us about what our first TV election will mean. Interesting stuff.
This is all very “Post-Obama” and can be seen most in the way technology has enabled a different model of online electioneering. The expert in this is Dan Thain, from Blue State Digital. They’re the people who enabled the micro donations to Obama’s campaign, and Dan’s the man in the digital driving seat for numerous local and national campaigns including those for the Labour Party.
So that’s the plan. It couldn’t be more interesting than that. Now all that remains is to fill the very few seats we have left.
If you’re interested (of course you are) sign up here. But I warn you, we released places today and they’re nearly gone. So be QUICK!
I’m saving some seats for people who suggest the most interesting questions for our panel. All suggestions welcome, and if you’re really lucky, you might win a place to ask them in person.
Hope to see you there!
Digital Democracy, February 24th 8am (for 8.30 start) Patisserie Valerie, Spitalfields
Further information: http://www.albionlondon.com/society/
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