What other democracies can learn from the grassroots Scottish new-media movement in the Independence Referendum
The tumultuous last few weeks in the run-up to the Scottish independence referendum have shone a harsh and revealing light on the short falls of mainstream Scottish media.
The Drum took to the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh during the run-up to this pivotal moment in UK history, to investigate how the democratic process what upheld - not by established print media – but by the rise of new media brands and platforms.
This could have been Scottish print media’s finest day and they failed. There is a broken trust between readers and the print media. Bella Caledonia editor and founder Mike Small.
It was these to whom a large proportion of voters turned, who felt their voices weren’t being adequately represented by mainstream media.
As such the likes of new media brands such as Wings over Scotland, and Bella Caledonia, created by members of the public who felt the majority of mainstream media had dropped their democratic neutrality, whipped up hundreds of thousands of pounds in crowdfunding and support ahead of the final vote.
If Westminster doesn’t wake up and see this is the biggest challenge they have faced since 1707 then eventually they will be swamped. I have my doubts as to whether they will heed those lessons: Kevin Mckenna, columnist, Observer.
Watch the above video documentary to hear what other democracies can learn from the Scottish independence movement.
The video also features interviews with editor of the only Scottish mainstream newspaper to actively support independence - The Sunday Herald - whose circulation also increased substantially during the Referendum debate.