Jo nominated for New Statesman New Media Award

11.09.28am GMT Wed 15th Mar 2006

Jo has been nominated for the New Media Award for her use of podcasting

The New Statesman magazine, in association with Atos Origin, the leading IT services company, has announced the nomination of Jo Swinson MP in their New Media Awards in the 'Elected Representative' category.

Jo's nomination is for her use of podcasting to communicate with her constituents. Earlier this month, Jo, along with two Parliamentary colleagues, became the first MP to undertake regular podcasting to her constituents.

The key themes of this year's awards are "ingenuity, modernisation and accessibility". They intend to award those who have achieved something of benefit to others, whether in their community or in society at large. Since 1998, these awards have promoted projects that embrace new technology, fresh thinking and creative management in the UK.

Commenting on her nomination, Jo said:

"I am pleased to be recognised for my work to bring podcasting to politics. Awards such as this give encouragement to politicians to innovate and make use of the opportunities offered by new technologies and new media."

John Kampfner, editor of the New Statesman, said:

"Society has always been promised a great deal by the digital revolution. The 2006 New Media Awards will highlight the projects that have really delivered on that promise."

Jo's podcast is available via all major internet podcast directories (including iTunes), and as also online at www.politicsondemand.co.uk, which can be reached via a link from Jo's own website, www.joswinson.org.uk.

The Elected Representative award will go to the elected representative who best uses new media technology to communicate with the electorate. This award is open to councillors, MEPs, MPs, MSPs and Members of the Welsh Assembly.