Political and journalist bloggers (frequently opperating under an alias) are growing in number and stature across the blog sphere. So much so that politicians, corporates and "PR agencies “:http://www.montagecomms.com” are now taking them very seriously. These leaders of news have scooped many a high profile story and leave traditional jounalists in their wake, as they are not tied to print deadlines and can break a story when they want.

The key advantage that bloggers have had is their "freedom of speach." Hang on a minute you might say don’t we all? Well if you are a newspaper or broadcaster, you must stringently abide by rules and regulations policed by the Press Compliants Commission and Ofcom.

Well who are these mavericks on the web? Here are Montage’s Top 3 firebrands, who give us the heads up on a breaking news story:

1 – Guido Fawkes is perhaps the most prominent political big hitter of the blog sphere, so much so that he made it to number 81 in the Media Guardian 100 of most influential media people, ahead of Chris Evans and Gordon Ramsey.

Guido the alter ego of Paul Staines, runs his "attack blog" to make headlines outside of the traditional news establishment and focuses on "plots, rumours and conspiracy." He has taken advantage of stories that print media have been unable to print such as naming the alleged mistress of John Prescott, while the BBC and Fleet street as gagging orders placed on them.

2 – Dizzy Thinks  is described as opinionated arrogance, with the right way of the thinking. This ranting conservative blogger has many fans and enemies. Apparently, Guido doesn’t read Dizzy Thinks. Channel Four news described Dizzy Thinks as an interesting example of when politics and technology collide. Montage actually spoke to Dizzy Thinks (aka) Phil Hendren, who is a Tory. He apprently does alot of work with the 18 Doughty Street, which has been described as "resistance TV" hosted online as videocasts, that airs policitcal opinion and breaking news.

3 – Political Betting s a well researched and thorough blog that comments on front page political news. It has scored some high profile hits in the media recently and has been widely regarded as one of the key voices in bringing the question of David Cameron’s leadership to notice.

Most recent example of this blog driving the news agenda, is this recent piece in the Times Newspaper.

 

Blog Author – Matt Anderson