In less than 48 hours, more than 1,000 articles have been published in over 800 publications in 64 countries around the world, referencing the Taoiseach’s speech. To put these figures in context, the coverage is more than double of that generated in the wake of Brian Cowen’s infamous interview on Morning Ireland last September.
Whatever your opinions on the impact of a sea of phones set to “record” during these events, there can be no denying that the information people share publicly is invaluable for anyone with a commercial interest. From promoters to sponsors, there now exists a wealth of real-time feedback and post-event analysis.
With more and more young people emigrating, it is perhaps not surprising that the conversations about Fade Street have spread far beyond Ireland. The map below illustrates the global spread of coverage the series has enjoyed in November, the larger the pin, the greater the volume of coverage from that area. Across Europe, the US, Canada and Australia, Fade Street people are talking about the new series.
That the Taoiseach could be unaware of an incendiary tweet from a member of the opposition front bench indicates that Fainna Fáil does not monitor social media. Had the Taoiseach been aware of Deputy Coveney and others online comments about his early morning interview, he would surely have been prepared for questions from journalists as to whether he was drunk or hungover.
For the first time at a British election, the three main party leaders are engaging in a series of three televised debates, modelled on the debates held in U.S. Presidential elections. How much of an effect are these much publicised, and much talked about debates having on the media coverage for Labour, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats and their leaders? How are the media, in the UK, and across the globe, covering the various parties? And which leader is winning the battle for the headlines?