For example, the co-founder of Netscape, Jim Barksdale, is supporting basic literacy programmes for children in Mississippi.

ECONOMIST: A golden age of philanthropy may be dawning

The worry, you might argue, is not that news junkies are no longer catered to, but that the unaddicted cannot rely on mainstream papers and programmes for basic information.

ECONOMIST: Here is the news

Dr Matsuura has advanced a wide range of programmes including universal basic education, freshwater management and the preservation of living arts and culture.

UNESCO: Irina Bokova of Bulgaria elected as UNESCO's 10th Director General

The Ministry of Education issued a decree establishing an official seal of approval and two types of certificate to be awarded to states and municipalities who succeed in providing good and effective basic education, including youth and adult literacy programmes.

UNESCO: Country Profile: Brazil

It also makes employees do an hour of voluntary work a week, helping children and adults with basic reading and arithmetic, running anti-drugs programmes and training people for call-centre work.

ECONOMIST: Leeds

He implemented universal health and education programmes, but rising prices and shortages of basic goods meant life remained hard for some.

BBC: Hugo Chavez death: Thousands march with coffin

It was also literacy and numeracy programmes, building on best existing teaching practice, to raise basic standards systematically nationwide - 84, 000 more 11 year-olds a year now up to standard in maths and 60, 000 in English.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Politics | Full text: Blair on public services