(c) sundaypost.com
Researchers at the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research at the University of Stirling have finally reported on their research looking at how the 2014 independence referendum changed the way we think about Scottish politics. They concluded in positive terms that a reinvigorated public sphere had emerged and that:
‘Certainly, there appeared to be the opening of a space in which to consider and reconsider notions of justice based on the reimagining of a different Scotland. For many, the increased political participation was seen as a chance to recreate society, dismantle or redraw boundaries; make politics more relevant and connected to notions of justice in the minds of citizens.’
I can’t seem to access the full report to tell you more so, in all modesty, here’s a quote from my own free online book:
‘It is impossible to have visited Scotland in recent days (September 2014) and not to have been exhilarated by the sheer vigour of democratic engagement. Scotland at the moment is what a democracy is supposed to be: a buzzing hive of argument and involvement, most
of it civil, respectful and deeply intelligent. This energy has been unleashed not by atavistic tribal passions but by a simple realisation: for once, the people have some power.’
(O’Toole, 2014)
I know, David Torrential didn’t see it that way
You can get my book at:
Scotland’s Propaganda War: The Media and the 2014 Independence Referendum
Talking-up Scotland 
Hi John – coffee time so making quick visit – Just updating re. continuing developments at Johnston Press (from holdthefrontpage) – the interesting Norwegian (but London based) investor has very rapidly increased his holding – I am tempted to view this as a possibly positive move – Any clear-out of current senior management must (surely?) be beneficial in terms of Scottish coverage?:
A Norwegian investor has increased his stake in Johnston Press to more than 8pc in what he is calling a “strategic move.”
Christen Ager-Hanssen, left, has announced he now owns 8.03pc of the regional publisher, having purchased an initial 5.14pc stake last month.
Mr Ager-Hanssen’s firm owns the Swedish version of the Metro, and he is reckoned to be worth around £2.5bn.
Speaking to HTFP today, the businessman described the purchase as “a strategic move for the consolidation going on in the UK media.”
Announcing the increased stake on his personal Twitter page this morning, he wrote: “[Custos Group] increased its strategic stake in media conglomerate Johnston Press Plc.”
The tweet included a link to the new share certificate, confirming the deal.
Mr Ager-Hanssen told HTFP: “It’s all about consolidation in this industry. Regarding Johnston [Press], we see it as a strategic move for the consolidation going on in the UK media and we will take a significant part of that.
“You have to create a new ecosystem around your audience. We want to do something with that, and we want Johnston staff to take an active part of that consolidation with this industry.
“At the same time, we need to be aggressive on the digital side and we will be very active on this.”
PS – brilliant work from SNP Scottish Govt re. the increased employment level and reduced unemployment level reported today – Amazing what results having a focussed, determined SNP Scottish Govt can bring!
Cheers, Ludo
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‘Any clear-out of current senior management must (surely?) be beneficial in terms of Scottish coverage?’ Yes surely
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Hi John et al – Could Mr. Ager-Hanssen’s desired “..new ecosystem around your audience..” include a reduction in the SNP Baaaad production line?
Thanks, ludo
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Sounds a bit hippy, treehugging?
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Hi John – nothing wrong with a bit of tree-hugging as long as it’s not SNP Baaaaad tree-hugging! – Cheers, Ludo
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Tree hugging is a grand hobby. But the ‘ecosystem’ used here just sounds like inane business-speak to me, it always borrows big words from other fields and applies them to its paltry lexicon, like ‘organic growth’ ,,, hmm, there are more, but can’t recall any right now.
I suspect that Mr Ager-Hanssen is completely oblivious to niche actively waiting to be filled, for straight-forward sane news. Take Richard Murphy as an example, totally and utterly oblivious to the hornets nest he was stepping into for the mere mention of GERS. He seems to view it as a challenge though, rather than taking any personal affront. I think we forget that most folks outside of Scotland don’t know what is going on inside it – but do they need to know? An outside perspective can accidentally stumble onto doing something useful, but equally they can believe ‘this is how we have always done it so you must too’ is the best course. We will have to wait and see,,,
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Paltry lexicon? Ouch!
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