A weekly roundup of talking points, sans effort

Thought for the week

“The seventh district administrative court’s decision is a blatant attempt to deny people in Egypt their right to seek, receive and impart information on the basis that some people may – if they seek the video out – be offended.” Dr Agnes Callamard, executive director of pro-free speech organisation ARTICLE 19, commenting on Egypt’s proposals to block YouTube for one month after an amateur video was posted containing anti-Islamic sentiments.

Worth the paper it’s printed on?

This week’s light news success stories include…
…Ben Affleck taking home Best Film and Best Director for Argo at the BAFTAs, with 57 articles reporting on his success, in contrast Michael Gove’s abandoned plans to do away with GCSEs made it into 48…
….Anne Hathaway winning Best Supporting Actress for Les Miserables at the BAFTAs, whereas the woman who killed herself after being cross examined to deduce whether a choirmaster sexually assaulted her only featured in 22…
…and, finally, Daniel Day Lewis astounded nobody by claiming his BAFTA title of Best Actor for Lincoln, and ended up in 45 headlines, far more than the 14 that reported on how the Metropolitan Police ‘stole’ the identities of dead children to give undercover officers new names.
(Source: Journalisted)

Weekly high

With Valentine’s yesterday it’s safe to say we were spoilt for choice in terms of great campaigns focused on love and the like. IKEA Australia just about topped the bunch, though, with the generous offer of a free cot for every child born nine months from February 14th. Talk about incentives.
 

Weekly low

Tempted as we were by the seemingly never-ending Horse Meat Gate, Carnival Cruises beat any equine catastrophes this week. Passengers were stranded onboard a powerless vessel (without sanitation) in the latest maritime tourist misadventure, but to make matters worse the seafaring firm decided to send this tweet out, presumably in a misguided attempt to reassure. See you next year?

 

 Things that might happen next week…

Investigators are expected to extend the deadline for horse meat testing after traces of the proud animals were found in fresh beef and more potential infringements than expected appear to have taken place. The trial of South African paralympic hero Oscar Pistorius will get underway following the fatal shooting of his girlfriend. And, the BBC’s governing body will hold a discussion on the publication of transcripts from the Pollard Review, which looks at the way Newsnight handled the Jimmy Savile investigation.

Just in case you missed it…

…some are calling it a great idea, others a stupid gimmick. Either way, American Express is currently operating a purchase-by-tweet service in the U.S., whereby discounted products from Microsoft, Amazon, and Sony can be purchased by using a specific Twitter hashtag, which triggers the payment. Read a more complete story here.
 
If there is a success story, blunder, or news event you’d like to see included email helloATsmokinggun.co.uk or tweet using #blaggersblog. Happy Friday!