New localism e-bulletin from LG Group

The Local Government Group (LG group) produces a number of e-bulletins on a range of topics including economy and transport,  culture tourism and sport, and environment housing and planning. The bulletins aim to offer 'relevant, timely information about government and UK politics'.

LG Group have recently reviewed their suite of e-bulletins and will soon be introducing one specifically focused on localism.

You can sign up to LG Group's e-bulletins by visiting www.local.gov.uk/ebulletins.

Radio Canada calling...

Every now and then I get a call from The Breeze 107.9 FM - a premier local radio station in Peterborough... Ontario.


By chance, I have become the station's 'UK correspondent' providing the people of Canada with witty commentary on a range of topics - how to have a British Christmas, Easter celebrations in the UK, why Brits love biscuits, the Queen's Awards for enterprise, the Royal Wedding, Kate's maple leaf hat, and most recently the riots.


This all started a couple of years ago when Peterborough in Canada sent some representatives over to visit our very own Peterborough here in the East of England, to find out about 'going green'. News of our efforts to become the UK's Environment Capital had reached them, and they wanted to share (and pick up new) ideas.


The Breeze 107.9 were on the hunt for someone from P'boro UK to talk to them on air and somehow the task fell to me. Since then I've been doing regular updates for my Canadian fans, who I'm told 'love my accent'. Well, what's not to love?


Our Deputy MD here at Athene, Caroline, has even had a chat live on air leading to the revelation that like these people she is practically related to Kate Middleton.


Journalists are always on the look out for interesting people to provide expert comment on a range of topics. If you know what you're doing, you can position yourself as the 'go to' representative for your sector. If you'd like us to help you out, don't hesitate to get in touch!


Nyree Ambarchian, Community Engagement Manager, Athene Communications. 

http://www.1079thebreeze.com/

 

How the UK riots showed two sides of social media

Now that the storm surrounding one of the most horrific events that London has seen for many decades has started to die down I feel that it is important to rationally reflect over the role that social media played within it.


As I am sure that the majority did, I watched the shocking events unfold live on the news channels. There were many mentions of media being involved or playing a part in the UK riots. Some followed the generic discourse of ‘youth’ violence – and I use the term cautiously as the arrest demographics are suggesting this might not be the correct term to use – by blaming video games, such as Grand Theft Auto, as one of the causes. However, the evidence for this type of argument is flawed to say the very least.


It was the reporting of Twitter and Blackberry Messenger’s involvement in the riots which was new, and most debatable – The Sun leading with ‘police chiefs last night vowed to hunt down the thugs who used social media to organise and encourage the sickening scenes of violence’. Even David Cameron has stated that the convicted rioters should be banned from using social media; however I feel that this might be empty rhetoric.


I am certainly not denying that the rioters used social media, a quick search for hash-tags on Twitter confirms that many were actively using it to organise events, but I am definitely not saying that social media is a bad communication tool or that it can be blamed for the riots.


Proof of this can be found in the days following the unrest. The impressive use of Twitter to organise campaigns for the benefit of society in London and Birmingham is a perfect example. The hash-tags #riotcleanup and #operationcupoftea became a viral sensation on the Tuesday, with many celebrity users of Twitter backing the motion. The physical results of the hash-tag were reported internationally with hundreds, maybe even thousands coming out onto the streets in a collective display of community goodwill.


Sam Pepper’s #operationcupoftea became equally popular, inviting people to display solidarity during the dark times by uploading a photo of themselves or their family drinking cups of tea in their homes. Some even took this further by taking cups of tea out to the police on the streets.


As Dan Thompson, creator of the #riotcleanup stated, “I get really annoyed with people slagging off Twitter. It’s phenomenally useful for people getting their community together and getting working. This just shows there are far more good people than bad.”

So what does all of this mean?


Peter Bright rightly points out in his blog post, ‘Social networks are just a tool. Like any tool, some will use them for ill ends, but many others will put them to positive uses'.


But all of these examples demonstrate perfectly how social networks can be used to mobilise groups in meaningful community engagement. Depending upon the strategic aims of the group, it can be used for better or for worse, but it extends beyond the digital nature of the computer screen and can influence people’s physical actions. Companies, groups and PRs should have been watching #riotcleanup and #operationcupoftea intently, as they perfectly demonstrate the power of an effective strategic use of these mediums.


Ryan Hyman
Account Executive