Social Media, TV and the Presidential Debates
Presidential Debates in the Social Media Era
It’s not just one tweeter tweeting another, or tweeting to thousands. It’s the cumulative power of those tweets, which then helps shape the narrative of what happened at the presidential or vice-presidential debate.
That starts even before the TV pundits give their spin, and well before talk-show hosts and “Saturday Night Live” put their stamps on the events.
“Now it’s not just the experts telling us what was and what wasn’t important,” said Brian Houston, a University of Missouri professor involved in a Twitter project between the Times-Union and the university’s journalism school.
“It’s now the sum of all our voices. Those of us who are engaged, we can all contribute our small chit. It’s empowering, and changes the landscape.”
Via The Florida Times-Union (Jacksonville, Fla.)
Politico on social media and the debates
Just about every social media outlet is planning to play a role in the debates.
“CNN.com/Debates will feature companion content including a live blog, on-demand videos and articles, candidate profiles, social media integrations and a Social Buzz meter. In addition, CNN.com will debut new clip-and-share video editing features for the debates. With DVR-like controls, clip-and-share makes everyone a CNN editor.”
Will Social Media Kill the TV Debate? (Press Release)
Professors from the University of Southern California discuss presidential debates and the rise of social media.
Experts Say Presidential Debates Will Get ‘Social’
Mississippi State professors on the debates and social media. (Press Release), via Sacremento Bee
