The influence of social media is difficult to ignore. There is no way that it is a just a fad anymore. Reputable news sources use it to spread the word regarding current events, politicians use it to reach their audience, and the majority of us use it to stay up to date on the latest.
Based on my experience with social media (specifically in correlation with my journalism studies), the only real answer is that it's here to stay and those who wish to get elected or be heard need to embrace it. Furthermore, not only do they need to embrace it, but excel at it.
Politicians will use outlets like Facebook to reach their constituents. Socializing through the use of social media will help reach and audience that wouldn't go to their rallies or read up on their political views otherwise.
Another way I feel like social media is already playing a role is through the White House's official twitter account. They use it to share documents, latest news and to interact with followers regarding issues like the economy and health care. This sort of back and forth interaction is crucial during election time because it makes the audience (us) feel like our voice matters and that we are a part of the debate. I believe other politicians will use twitter in this way to engage constituents.
I also think social media will provide a greater transparency when it comes to the election. Everything is now public, so honesty will be the only option in most cases.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Media & Politics
I was initially interested in this course because of my background in journalism. As a journalist, media is essential to what we do and who we are. It's how we get and give out information. The media is essential in shining light on issues that otherwise wouldn't be brought to others attention.
I met Ann Curry recently at a journalism conference in Philadelphia, and one of the things she said that stood out to me was: there are people going through difficult situations that can't be heard, and that as journalists we are able to give them a voice.
I think that underlying essence of what it means to be a writer is what drives my interest for media and journalism.
(That's me on the far left. I look like I short circuited from standing too close to Ann)
In regards to politics, and its relationship with citizens and voters, the media is an important tool to keep truths as prevalent as possible.
Of course, there is media bias in many organizations (and outlets can only go so far in trying to get as much information out to the public as possible), but the tools to make informed decisions and assumptions are there.
Without the media, it would be difficult for people to understand what is going on in the realm of politics. It would be up to citizens to find out the real issues, which is a burden for those those with 9 to 5 jobs and other responsibilities.
The statement "All politics is local politics" means that no matter the scope of the issues, a politician must be able to reflect the interests of his constituents, who vote for him and keep him in office. Thanks to the media, these constituents are able to see and decide if this applies to them and make their voting decisions accordingly.
I met Ann Curry recently at a journalism conference in Philadelphia, and one of the things she said that stood out to me was: there are people going through difficult situations that can't be heard, and that as journalists we are able to give them a voice.
I think that underlying essence of what it means to be a writer is what drives my interest for media and journalism.
In regards to politics, and its relationship with citizens and voters, the media is an important tool to keep truths as prevalent as possible.
Of course, there is media bias in many organizations (and outlets can only go so far in trying to get as much information out to the public as possible), but the tools to make informed decisions and assumptions are there.
Without the media, it would be difficult for people to understand what is going on in the realm of politics. It would be up to citizens to find out the real issues, which is a burden for those those with 9 to 5 jobs and other responsibilities.
The statement "All politics is local politics" means that no matter the scope of the issues, a politician must be able to reflect the interests of his constituents, who vote for him and keep him in office. Thanks to the media, these constituents are able to see and decide if this applies to them and make their voting decisions accordingly.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Yo and Hello
Well, this post is late, but I'd at least like to introduce myself.
My name is Jorge Salazar. I'm a senior at the Walter Cronkite School ofJournalism and Mass Communication, with plans to graduate this December.
I've written for 944 Magazine, KPHO.com and Cronkite News Service. My work has been printed in various publications, like the Arizona Republic and The Tucson Daily Star.
I'm currently interning for the Phoenix New Times. I work on their arts and culture blog, Jackalope Ranch.
I'm pretty active on Twitter, jj_salazar, so you can follow me there.
As a journalist, I think media influence is a great tool for getting information out to others. Of course, at times the information can tend to be twisted by an outlet to reflect its own agenda. It's a necessary instrument in today's society.
I look forward to getting to know everybody and reading postings for this class.
My name is Jorge Salazar. I'm a senior at the Walter Cronkite School ofJournalism and Mass Communication, with plans to graduate this December.
I've written for 944 Magazine, KPHO.com and Cronkite News Service. My work has been printed in various publications, like the Arizona Republic and The Tucson Daily Star.
I'm currently interning for the Phoenix New Times. I work on their arts and culture blog, Jackalope Ranch.
I'm pretty active on Twitter, jj_salazar, so you can follow me there.
As a journalist, I think media influence is a great tool for getting information out to others. Of course, at times the information can tend to be twisted by an outlet to reflect its own agenda. It's a necessary instrument in today's society.
I look forward to getting to know everybody and reading postings for this class.
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