The Changing Media Summit 2006 looks fascinating. Some great speakers (Cory Doctorow, Tom Coates, Jon Snow, one of the last.fm crew) and subject matter that, for once, really does matter.

No surprise that The Guardian is behind it; they probably outrank even the BBC in terms of “getting” new media and shaping its direction. However, I’m a little surprised at the choice of sponsorship: MSN and Windows Live.

Yes, we know the portal companies (and, no matter how much they deny it, this includes Google) are positioning themselves to take down the TV networks. They probably will, and good for them. But I really don’t think conference sponsorship is the way to go. Microsoft may well have a legitimate contribution to make, but I’m sure they’ll be seen as hucksters elbowing their way into a grass-roots debate. Nothing new there, I suppose.

If only I could justify spending your hard-earned taxes to attend.

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