UK's House of Lords Speaks To Voters Via YouTube, Blogs

PHPNerd writes "In a bold move to connect with the next generation of young British voters, the House of Lords has launched a YouTube video series that will detail what it does and make it more accessible to the younger generation. It accompanies an experimental blog in which various Lords write about political issues and can receive feedback from anyone around the world. The article quotes spokesman Owen Williams saying, 'We're trying to engage with younger people and people who may not be interested in politics. We looked at YouTube because it appeals to people outside the political elite.' Is this doomed to failure, or should more governments be doing something similar?"

Comments

Will it succeed? Depends on the execution...

[religious freak]

If they try to "make it cool" in an attempt to make it accessible, it will fail and be quite embarrassing (see HoL rap above!).

If they make it accessible by speaking plainly, relating the issues to how they affect young people, Britain, and the world, it might have a shot at moderate success. (particularly if they show it in schools)

In any event, if executed halfway decently, I believe they should be commended for trying, regardless of the outcome.

Re:House of Lords Rap

[hey!]

When Britain really ruled the waves,
In good Queen Bess's day,
The House of Lords made no pretense,
to intellectual eminence,
or scholarship sublime.
Yet Britan won its proudes bays,
in good Queen Bess's days.

When Wellington thrashed Bonaparte,
as every child can tell,
the House of Lords throughout the war,
did nothing in par-tic-ular.
Yet Britain set the world ablaze,
in Good King George's glorious days.

And while the House of Peers withholds,
its legislative hand,
And noble statement do not itch,
to interfere in matters which,
They do not understand,
As bright will shine Great Britains rays,
as in King George's glorious days!