This week, most people are talking about FIFA and England's unsuccessful World Cup bid. Yet, the other story dominating the news are the leaked US Diplomatic cables published by the website Wikileaks and various news organisations throughout the world.
The story surrounds a member of the US security services who sent a file with over 250,000 documents containing confidential information relating to the State Department's view on foreign policy. The scope is enormous and potentially damaging; but it is interesting to read the thoughts of diplomats and US policy.
As well as the information, the nature of the journalism is interesting, and becoming more prevalent. Instead of Wikileaks just releasing the information straight on to the internet, it gave various news gathering organisations a chance to report on the leaks. The Guardian has apparently spent weeks using journalists and various experts to decipher the best news stories and the implications of various comments. It is similar to the Daily Telegraph's reportage on MPs’ Expenses scandal in 2009.
Many say that such leaks could have political and personal consequences to those involved. Though the newspapers will argue that much of it is in the public interest.
Some have also added that if the Americans are so hurt by the stories, then why was it accessible to thousands of security personnel. Many of the stories are not particularly sensationalist but purely uncloak the perspectives of mandarins and politicians. Perhaps we should be entitled hear them.
It could as a consequence lead to further so called 'post-it-note government', where civil servants prefer righting things down on disposable paper rather than send it by email.
It does ultimately show how powerful modern day communications are and how we no longer have to rely on journalists.
The story surrounds a member of the US security services who sent a file with over 250,000 documents containing confidential information relating to the State Department's view on foreign policy. The scope is enormous and potentially damaging; but it is interesting to read the thoughts of diplomats and US policy.
As well as the information, the nature of the journalism is interesting, and becoming more prevalent. Instead of Wikileaks just releasing the information straight on to the internet, it gave various news gathering organisations a chance to report on the leaks. The Guardian has apparently spent weeks using journalists and various experts to decipher the best news stories and the implications of various comments. It is similar to the Daily Telegraph's reportage on MPs’ Expenses scandal in 2009.
Many say that such leaks could have political and personal consequences to those involved. Though the newspapers will argue that much of it is in the public interest.
Some have also added that if the Americans are so hurt by the stories, then why was it accessible to thousands of security personnel. Many of the stories are not particularly sensationalist but purely uncloak the perspectives of mandarins and politicians. Perhaps we should be entitled hear them.
It could as a consequence lead to further so called 'post-it-note government', where civil servants prefer righting things down on disposable paper rather than send it by email.
It does ultimately show how powerful modern day communications are and how we no longer have to rely on journalists.
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