ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to look specifically at the media strategies used by G20Metldown to communicate their messages and mobilise support, and their representation by the press. It also examines their use of the Internet and explore the interrelationship between protester messages, press coverage and police tactics. The official documents highlight the influence of protester communications on the police and the briefing of this intelligence to and by the press. The Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) document Adapting to protest states that activist websites were an important source of information for police intelligence. The HMIC report uses historical protest in a similar way to the press by containing a timeline of international summit protests and noting details of the number of arrests. The only potential distraction was a coalition of non-government organizations (NGOs), trade unions and other campaign groups who protested under the banner of Put People First.
