Blunkett warns of 'information meltdown'
14 November 2009
Mr Blunkett addresses the National Press Club.
Former British Home Secretary the Right Honourable David Blunkett MP spoke to the National Press Club in Canberra of his fears for the future of reporting given the rise of online communication.
A self-confessed "technology refusnik", Mr Blunkett said he was concerned that readers of blogs and other online content were increasingly under the impression they were sourcing "real" news that had been researched and edited.
"My worry is that we are sleepwalking into a situation where people believe that the free-for-all for information and the uploading of information from iPhones is actually the alternative to properly edited and moderated news.
Mr Blunkett asked that more users of new technology question what they were downloading. He warned that if online readers and bloggers continue to fail to adhere to the same standards as print media reporters, "information meltdown" would ensue.
On Friday 13 November 2009, Mr Blunkett toured our Kooyong centre, where he learnt more about Vision Australia's range of services, including i-acess®. That evening he attended a dinner hosted by Vision Australia partner, Myer's CEO Bernie Brookes. The event was also attended by Jeffrey Browne, Executive Director Nine Network and Professor Barry Jones AO.
You can read more about Mr Blunkett's National Press Club address in The Age.