Good morning all
August is known as the 'silly season', and the news is usually dominated by the likes of UFOs and skateboarding dogs. This week, as we know, has been different. In the middle of the holiday season, we've found ourselves debating some of the most fundamental "why?" questions of our day. Let's pray that out of the carnage some good will come.
My trawl of the web has uncovered some encouragements. It's good to hear church leaders speaking out at times like these, and they have. Hats off to our friends at Premier Christian Radio, there in the heart of London, for some excellent coverage.
New technology has played a key role, not only in its use by rioters, but also as Christians and other good people mobilised a positive response. Here's 24/7 Prayer founder Pete Grieg, and Christian Today on the Church of England's response. The #riotcleanup Twitter stream was apparently started by someone from my home town.
I was a bit surprised to learn that the rioters had been using the business-focussed Blackberry to plot their deeds. Here's a business take on that story.
Finally on all this, thanks to radiotoday.co.uk for some useful news and insights in their e-radio weekly bulletin this week. Note the reference to Premier Christian Radio's RAJAR results - well done guys!
On theMediaNet.org: Nick White has written about his venture into self-publishing. Also there are some jobs going - the Dioceses of Guildford and Winchester are looking for a Joint Communications Officer, and Newcastle Diocese is after a Development Officer for Communications. Finally Alive Radio is a Christian station in Dumfries, and they need a Business Development Manager & Station Coordinator.
Chances to Meet:
Our Journalism Sector Connectors have arranged a Journalism Coffee and Chat on August 13th in London. If that's your field and you can get along, they would love to see you.
If you're planning to be at Greenbelt please come along to the MediaNet gathering. It will be at 5.30pm on Sunday afternoon (that's Sunday 28th August) in the Centaur Foyer. It will be a chance to meet MediaNet members over drinks and nibbles, and also to introduce new people to the network. CMN Director Andrew Graystone, myself, and some other medianet members will be there to say hi.
On Saturday 1st October theMediaNet is joining in an event called Integrated. The purpose of the day is to look at the place of the Bible in Professional life (as part of the BibleFresh initiative.)
A reminder of the Christian New Media Conference on Saturday 15th October. I've got my ticket - have you got yours?
Finally, on churchandmedia.net, an article which may help your church if it has to deal with the media over the riots, here.
That's it for now. If you are going away, then have a great break. If you're covering the riots, stay safe. Here at theMediaNet Towers we'll be praying for those of you in the media having to report on the week's shocking events.
Take care
Patrick