Tag: Politics

What happens on the internet, stays on the internet. The Onion has again risen above all other media outlets with this exclusive report into what Facebook means for the future of American politics.

If you're seeking a brief recap of the 2010 Australian election look no further than this short clip from Next Media Animation (NMA). According to NMA webiste, "Our fast, accurate and engaging animations tackle all the top breaking stories." What the company fails to mention is the pure hilarity that the site often brings to its international coverage.

Even though Australia enjoys an excellent budgetary position by world standards, fiscal policy has been a big issue for the current federal election. In a tight election, each party argued hard that their policies would deliver the biggest budget surplus over the next three years. However, when this year's historic post-election dramas are over, the winner will be faced with the challenge of some serious belt-tightening if it is to deliver on promises. Whichever party wins, the next three years will herald another period of efficiency drives and cuts.

Five minutes of overheard conversation in any Australian watering hole or bus-shelter this week will tell you that Tony Abbott is a misogynistic mad monk and that Julia Gillard is a political assassin controlled by faceless apparatchik of the union movement. But are these the factors that will steer Australia in a direction that will create an economically secure and culturally harmonious nation for decades to come?

Five minutes of overheard conversation in any Australian watering hole or bus-shelter this week will tell you that Tony Abbott is a misogynistic mad monk and that Julia Gillard is a political assassin controlled by faceless apparatchik of the union movement. But are these the factors that will steer Australia in a direction that will create an economically secure and culturally harmonious nation for decades to come?

Last night on The Gruen Transfer, Russel Howcroft made the bold claim that: Political advertising pays for journalism. Within a heartbeat, co-panellist Todd Sampson voiced his disagreement, vehemently making the argument that treating politicians like a brand can only undermine democracy. What do you think?

This week, the satirical commentary program rose even higher in our approval ratings when it unintentionally became a serious, political production house for the Greens when this 'fake' TV spot was aired on Wednesday night. Regular Gruen panelist Leo Burnett CEO Todd Sampson said on the program to its creators from Sydney agency Republic of Everyone, "It's the best ad The Greens have ever done. I'm sure you'll get a phone call". And they did.

This week, the satirical commentary program rose even higher in our approval ratings when it unintentionally became a serious, political production house for the Greens when this 'fake' TV spot was aired on Wednesday night. Regular Gruen panelist Leo Burnett CEO Todd Sampson said on the program to its creators from Sydney agency Republic of Everyone, "It's the best ad The Greens have ever done. I'm sure you'll get a phone call". And they did.

While this election is unlikely to become Australia's first 'social media' election, it could be the first where citizen journalism trumps the traditional channels. In fact, these types of contributions are fast becoming the only interesting thing about the current election.

In this week's interview, RMIT economist Steve Kates talks about the death of Keynesian economics. He shares the growing view that stimulus packages around the world have increased debt, have not reduced unemployment and have made the crisis worse. He warns that Australia will feel the impact over the next year when China starts unwinding its stimulus package.

Twenty-four hours in politics is a long time in search. According to Google, the 24 hours following Julia Gillard's ascension to the top political spot saw millions flocking to online media reports, watching press conferences streamed live online, tweeting ferociously - and searching for everything we can find out about this long and remarkable day in Australian politics. But which names were the fastest rising?

In this week's overview of the economy, RMIT economist Sinclair Davidson voices the belief that Treasury chief Ken Henry is likely to be replaced, while Julia Gillard seeks new economic advisers. He says the Gillard Government will need to slash spending to bring about the budget surplus she says the government is committed to achieving.

Today, the Twittersphere is alive with speculation over whether the controversial internet filtering policy will be ditched and what the future holds for Senator Conroy. The general consensus seems to be one involving a Cabinet shuffle, letting Conroy keep responsibility for the NBN and passing the Communications portfolio to fellow Labor Senator Kate Lundy. Many pundits would be pleased with this development. And so, it could also be argued, might the good Senator himself.

Being a single industry economy is notoriously dangerous. And few countries understand this better than Iceland. Not wanting to remain in the doldrums, Iceland is trying to re-brand itself as a journalistic haven, centre of creativity and popular tourist destination. Cue cart-wheeling citizens.

Businesses like to hang their hat with one political party or another for a variety of misguided reasons. It may well explain why so many businesses go bust in the first three years. They are spending too much time hoping politicians will deliver them a miracle than, you know, working. Is it just coincidence that this time-frame is the same as the term of a government?

Us Now is a fascinating documentary film examining the astonishing pace of change that society is currently undergoing, led by the growth of the internet, technology and the new tribalism they are enabling.

Let me get this straight. The Prime Minister of Australia really apologised to a military flight attendant for demanding that an order be carried out professionally?

"Obama's address was almost entirely free of campaign style rhetoric or obvious applause lines. Its seriousness of tone contrasted sharply with the mood of the masses gathered to hear it; in the run up to the inauguration chants of "Obama" rang through the crowd and even afterward the crowd was in a feisty mood -- offering mocks cheers and waving goodbye as former President George W. Bush flew overhead in a helicopter."

Earlier this year, one of my favourite US business magazines, Fast Company, made the following observation: Win or lose, Barack's rise reveals a new reality...

The Packer deal took everybody by surprise. It coincided perfectly with the media reform announcements, but in fact had more to do with maximising shareholder value than with media reforms.