Electronic Media's Impact on Politics

Video recordings of political events go viral because of electronic media.

The introduction of electronic media has profoundly changed the way that politics are carried out. Political parties and individual politicians are typically conservative when trying out new electronic media, but they are now revolutionizing the way they work through video, Web content and digital apps.

Journalism

Digital video and photo devices have completely changed the field of political reporting and journalism. Political events are now highly documented, and the resulting videos and photos are now more accessible. Anyone with an electronic media device can record political events as they takes place. If the video is uploaded to a blog or video-sharing website (for example, YouTube, Facebook or Vimeo), it can be viewed by practically anyone in the world with Internet access.

Communication

Because electronic media devices can be connected to the Internet, political groups can trade most paper-based communications for digital communication. Groups can collaborate and share documents online and communicate remotely, which means that a campaign can be built and shaped on the fly. For public communications, electronic media can be used in the construction of political websites, blogs, e-newsletters, emails and campaign materials. Groups also are adopting social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and LinkedIn to strengthen their online presence and extend the reach of their message.

Discussion

Electronic media has allowed more people to participate in public political discourse. Electronic media can be used to not only consume reports on political events and ideas, but it allows that news to be discussed within the same channels. Anyone can now respond and participate in a discussion via comments, video and text responses and online chats.

Entertainment

Because politics are so highly documented and broadcasted, they have become a highly digestible source of entertainment. Pundits, talk show hosts, bloggers and amateur filmmakers have all used electronic media to capture, edit and share images, videos and photography for entertainment purposes. Celebrities now regularly cross over into the political realm and become more vocal about causes and campaigns.

References

• Center for Civic Education: Effects of Electronic Media on Democratic Attitudes

Resources

• Electronic Media & Politics