Are Australian bloggers getting a fair go, asks alternative news site MyRightofReply(dot)com
Released on: October 8, 2008, 9:59 pm
Press Release Author: MyRightOfReply.com
Industry: Internet & Online
Press Release Summary: A new scheme designed to give bloggers the same access to legal support as traditional media organizations has been unveiled last month in the US alongside an eLearning course in media law and has led Australian based alternative news site, MyRightofReply.com to ask why the same support for bloggers is not available in Australia.
Press Release Body: MyRightOfReply.com launched in early 2008, is an independent news opinion website which explores all sides of stories in the media breaking in Australia and around the world. The site gives bloggers, groups and corporations a chance to exercise their legitimate Right of Reply with forums submit a story, polls and blogs.
"With the growth in popularity of blogging and an explosion of blogging type news sites we want to put the question out there of whether Australian bloggers are being appropriately supported in their blogging as their US counterparts?" says Mr. Andrew Tijs , Editor of MyRightOfReply.com.
"US bloggers are now covered against defamation claims, allegations of copyright infringement and invasion of privacy," says Mr. Tijs "and this is being presented along with an eLearning course in media law presented by a local university. This is a great model for supporting bloggers and we would like to see a similar model prominently in place in Australia."
"Blogging is here to stay despite the many arguments initially deriding it. At MyRightofReply we are acutely aware that bloggers contribute a lot to the fabric of journalism and debate in Australia," says Mr. Tijs.
"Added to that blogging is good for our mental health with research carried out earlier this year from Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne showing that regular blogging makes people feel they have a better social support and friendship networks than those who did not blog," says Mr. Tijs. "So for all these reasons we would like to see more support given to Australian bloggers."
A blog is a website maintained by an individual where they regularly post or comment on a topic or areas of interest. People who write in blogs are called bloggers or citizen journalists.
The US insurance program is an initiative of Media Bloggers Association (MBA) in conjunction with a local university.
MyRightofReply.com launched its revamped website last month.
Andew Tijs is available for comment
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About MyRightOfReply.com
MyRightofReply.com is a wholly owned private Australian company. Owned by PW Internet Investments Pty Ltd, it was soft launched in January 2008. It aims to become the premier alternative news site for people interested in receiving in-depth and unedited coverage of news stories ranging from finance & business, arts & culture, entertainment and sports. Emphasis is placed on receiving commentary from individuals and groups, polls, a forum where members can discuss stories published and a "Foot in Mouth" section which portrays slips up in the media by individuals or company.
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