The prime minister's web log as news source

Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany writes a blog every day that is not only read by many citizens but is often quoted by the media. According to Istvan Devenyi, political web logs are about to make a breakthrough in Europe, but he adds that governments should not abuse personal Internet diaries by making them their main means of conveying information. "Following the elections, the prime minister's web log came to dominate the government's communication with the country. For two weeks, Ferenc Gyurcsany made no public appearances but instead transmitted the most important information to his citizens via the Internet. This is a convenient communication strategy because it prevents journalists, experts and opposition politicians from asking any awkward questions. In addition to accounts of his dog Toto's latest adventures, the prime minister mentioned in passing how high the household deficit is – something that until then had been kept secret."

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