Photo by MATTHEW GRAY
by MATTHEW GRAY, Editor-in-Chief
Though I am the Editor-in-Chief of this publication, I am a relatively newly minted journalist. As the world’s most powerful leaders congregate in Huntsville and Toronto for the G8 and G20 Summits respectively, Bedour Alagraa and I have co-ordinated on coverage of this rare spectacle.
We’re a small publication in a sea of international media, non-governmental organizations, inter-governmental organizations, delegates, bloggers, and other small outlets. How can we provide unique coverage of such an event, with the little access that has been afforded to us?
Increasingly, access to communication tools means that anybody can become a reporter. Bloggers, social media sites and small publications are all capable of getting ‘on the inside’, and providing timely reporting.
My media pass gets me access to the Alternative Media Centre (AMC). This means I can’t get into the Summit area, I don’t get to see the Fake Lake, and I don’t get a bottle of maple syrup in my media package. I’m not complaining though, the AMC is like a massive hangar filled with lukewarm coffee and sandwiches. Lukewarm coffee is better than no coffee.
I have been surprised to see how much access I am afforded despite these drawbacks; there are countless non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that are eager to share their criticisms and analysis of G20 policy. These NGOs are also surprisingly accessible, and provide their analysis openly.
Our interview with MSF’s regional director Marilyn McHeard revealed the problems with international food aid. MSF’s pressure applied to the G20 countries represents a shift in global governance; civil society groups are increasingly able to criticize the policy of states, and are increasing their presence at the table. Their presence at the Alternative Media Centre, and at the Summits, shows that their voices have become part of the process.
Reuters said of the protests that their significance and numbers were far less than those at other Summits, and that NGOs are playing a larger role in marshaling opposition to G20 actions.
It is my opinion that working inside a system to change it is better than confronting it head on. This is evidenced by how the violent activists have overshadowed the peaceful protestors, and how much of the real policy change will come from pressure applied by NGOs, whose position papers and reports represent real alternatives to existing policy. They are working within the system to create real change, and are substantially more effective than the message-less, car-burning anarchists who reared their heads on Saturday.
