Future News Service

[James_H]

So, people have been trying to predict the news for some time

I recently came across a website for a service offering "accurate" future predictions: http://www.foresightnews.co.uk/

According to their site:

Media clients include:

ABC
Al-Jazeera
Associated Newspapers
BBC
CNN
IPC Media
ITV
LA Times
News International
Nippon TV
Reuters
Sky News

Public Relations and Marketing clients include:

Blue Rubicon
Burson–Marsteller
Chime plc
Fishburn Hedges
Freud Communications
Futerra Sustainability Communications
Penrose Financial
Waggener Edstrom

Corporate and Public Affairs clients include:

British Bankers' Association
CBI
Financial Services Authority
Lawrence Graham LLP Solicitors
Lloyds of London
Orange PCS

Government/public bodies/politics clients include:

Electoral Commission
Environment Agency
European Commission
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
HM Treasury
Labour Party
Liberal Democrats
Ministry of Defence
NATO
Prime Minister's Press Office – Number 10 Downing Street
Westminster City Council

Charity and NGO clients include:

ActionAid
Action for Children
British Lung Foundation
Medecins Sans Frontieres
Shelter

So essentially the entire establishment appears to use this service for information. So how does it work?

How does ForesightNews research its content?

ForesightNews reporters are in daily contact with a range of confidential sources in the UK, USA and worldwide, securing information before it is generally known by the rest of the media. Every member of the editorial team has cultivated strong networks in their areas of speciality with contacts across government agencies, political parties, companies, academic journals, think tanks, pressure groups and PR agencies.

ForesightNews is the only forward planning service used by every single Cabinet level government department in the UK, helping forge a uniquely close relationship with these key sources of information.

The ForesightNews research team reviews thousands of press releases, operational notes and embargoed reports every day, reporting on those set to dominate coverage. The team also monitors a range of secondary print and online sources daily, including domestic national UK, US & international press, key blogs, social media & websites, and specialist & trade magazines.

And what's going to happen in the coming months?

Friday September 30, Rwanda genocide trials: Government 2 - judgement

Four defendants are all accused of crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide.

Tuesday November 15, Syrian oil - full EU sanctions come into effect

A full ban on the purchase, import and transport of Syrian oil into the EU, agreed by Foreign Ministers on September 2, takes effect.

Tuesday October 25, Man charged over death and kidnap of British couple in Kenya - court hearing

Ali Babitu Kololo appears charged with abduction and robbery with violence in connection with the September 11 kidnap of Judith Tebbutt and the murder of her husband David.

Monday November 14, Alleged Eta accused of plot to kill Spanish king - extradition hearing

Eneko Gogeaskoetxea Arronategui, allegedly a member of the Basque separatist group Eta, appears via videolink facing extradition to Spain, where he is wanted on charges of plotting to kill King Juan Carlos.

Monday October 03, Man accused of uploading Mike Tindall CCTV footage - court hearing

Jonathan Dixon appears charged with accessing a computer system for a dishonest purpose.

Tuesday October 25, Former News of the World reporter charged with breaching French privacy laws - verdict expected

Former chief reporter Neville Thurlbeck, who was arrested in relation to the phone hacking scandal in April, is charged with breaching French privacy and defamation laws in relation to a 2008 article about former FIA president Max Mosley.

Thursday October 06, Man guilty of harassing ex-girlfriend - sentencing

Shane Webber, 22, of Clifton, Nottingham, is sentenced after pleading guilty, September 20, to a charge of causing harassment, alarm or distress.

Wednesday October 19, Greece - general strike

Greek public and private sector unions hold 24-hour strike to protest 'barbaric' austerity measures being introduced by the Government as part of its €110bn IMF/EU bailout package.

Friday October 07, Hackney Schools' Sports Championship

School sports event with 2,500 pupils expected to take part.

Friday October 28, Former Labour MP charged with abusing parliamentary expenses - plea and case management

Former Luton South MP Margaret Moran appears charged with 15 counts of false accounting related to over £60,000 in fraudulent claims.

Sunday May 20 2012, NATO Summit

US President Barack Obama hosts meeting of alliance leaders.

Nothing too mystical then. [/url]