By now you know what Twitter is. You probably use it too.
So do a lot of other people, including public figures … like Congressional members.
Michigan Rep. @PeteHoekstra recently caused a stir for Twittering his visit to Iraq, which some called a breach of security.
But that’s not what’s interesting. What’s interesting is that Hoekstra is essentially making the news himself and communicating it directly with his followers/constituents. And he doesn’t need journalists to do it.
Why Journalists Should Care
I’ll make this short and sweet, don’t ignore public figures on Twitter.
Why?
Take a look at this quote from Texas Rep. John Culberson in The Washington Times:
“Every time I send out a tweet, I’m throwing another shovel of dirt to help bury the old media.”
Send up any flags for you? It should.
Twitter is what Congressional members have been drooling for since the dawn of politics … a clear channel to an audience without media interference.
So What Can Journalist Do
Not everyone is on Twitter. And even people who follow elected leaders on Twitter catch every tweet and connect the dots.
But guess what journalists can do? If you guessed “connect the dots” and digest the analyze the tweets alongside events, politics and legislation, you’d guess right!!!!
Write stories that integrate Twittered comments from public figures and make them accessible to your greater audience. People will think you’ve really got your finger on things, and you’ll look pretty cool.
No prize for this one, except relevancy.
Just something to think about, or ignore. Btw, look out for that flying dirt pile!
{ 1 trackback }
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t really buy it. Twitter’s a fun toy/distraction but I would far rather my congressman be studying the issues than dicking around twittering updates with his mobile phone.
Thanks for this. Just subscribed.