From the start, McSpotlight had developed a reputation for innovative use of Internet technology. When McDonald's launched their own corporate website, McSpotlight broke the news and adopted a pionering use of the latest web software to provide a guided tour of McDonald's own site. This 'new documentary form' received much critical acclaim .
In a vivid demonstration of McSpotlight's role as a new media, information about the McLibel trial obtained from the Internet was recognised as evidence in Jamaican court case.
October witnessed McSpotlight bagging an exclusive interview with Ronald McDonald, the Scot who threaten to take legal action against McDonald's for their use of his name. Since then a number of other interviews have been obtained with key figures from the McLibel trial.
During November McInformation Network volunteers provided daily reports of the closing speeches in the McLibel Trial. The reports were highly praised and became a resource for the mainstream news media.
In May 1996, McSpotlight made its parliamentary debut. About 50 people went to a seminar in London organised by Parliamentary Communications (publishers of the 'House Magazine'). Most of those attending were parliamentary researchers from major organisations. The speakers included Geoff Hoon MP (Labour Party spokesperson on the Information Superhighway), representatives of the UK Treasury and of the Central Office for Information, plus the editor of the new Parliamentary Monitor on-line service, and Poptel (the Internet Service Provider for the British Labour Party). McSpotlight was taken as an example of how the Web can be used successfully for campaigning purposes. Copies of the "What's Wrong With McDonald's?" leaflet (downloaded from the site) were taken by many people attending the seminar.
In July 1996, McSpotlight was loud and proud on the M41 motorway.
When seven thousand anti-roads protestors took over the M41 motorway in
London to stage a huge all-day street party, McSpotlight volunteers from Bristol accidentally took the credit for one of the sound systems by mounting a McSpotlight banner across the front of a truck containing the sound system. While children played in a sandpit in the fast lane and bands played in the hard shoulder, a stall attended by volunteers provided the crowds with everything McDonald's doesn't want them to know.
Please send us details of any further coverage you hear of.
Notes: If you have any questions about McSpotlight, you may find the answers in our FAQ, or you could contact us - info@mcspotlight.org
