Google Planet

Another case today of news organisations being 'fooled' by pranksters. This time a false entry on facebook led to dozens of media outlets happily cutting and pasting. The Register ends by saying the truth could have been found with a few clicks of Google. There are few areas of life now, where the influence of this phenomenon isn't felt. A recent computer nightmare led to Windows technical support recommending googling for the answer to the problem; doctors happily Google when patients ask about obscure conditions and, on a recent visit to the BBC in Glasgow the Google effect was alive and well. Less library research support needed because people can Google to their hearts content at their desks.
Where does it all leave us? Many fear a Google Planet for all sorts of reasons. Control over personal data is a major issue for individual and civil liberties, as is a too-powerful influence on the advertising market, with Internet ad spend set to become larger than TV in the UK. However, there are recent signs of Goggle also changing its stance in relation to how it handles content. This could present the biggest threat to the so-called MSM. We talk a lot about a healthy democracy needing to have multiple sources of impartial news and information. Indeed, Google's own news policy talks about encouraging as many sources as possible, but if all roads begin and end with Google how much choice will there truly be?

the fifth estate?

Like many I'm sure, I managed to catch up on some sofa time over the last few days watching the odd Christmas film. We enjoyed the George Clooney, Ed Murrow film Good Night, and Good Luck. Although, I confess to having only a passing knowledge of this fascinating period of American history and the role of the media at the time, I was interested in some of the parallels with today's world. At one point they discussed the case of a military man, who had been found guilty without knowing the charges against him nor having the opportunity to defend himself. Quite rightly, this was seen as desperately unfair and unconstitutional, it made me think of Guantanamo bay and the sort of human rights that are afforded there, one cameraman has been held now without trial for more than five years. Meanwhile Bush approves new terms which apparently give greater protections to bloggers at the same time as bloggers in many states are persecuted and arrested. The media, in its broadest sense, must continue to reveal uncomfortable truths and ask uncomfortable questions as the definition of what constitutes journalism must evolve to encompass all those who carry out this valuable function for society, even if they do not come from a traditional route.