MySpace, MTV team for interactive ‘dialogues’ with candidates
Users can ask questions of would-be presidents in real time during broadcasts this fall
August 23, 2007 (Computerworld) — MySpace and MTV Thursday announced plans for a new series of events that will allow MySpace and MTV.com users to submit questions to presidential candidates in real time during Web and television broadcasts.
The two companies described the events as “dialogues” between major Republican and Democratic candidates and MySpace and MTV devotees. Users can participate via MySpace instant messaging, mobile devices and e-mail. The dialogues will take place on college campuses nationwide and air on the MTV and mtvU cable stations, and will be webcast live on MTV.com and MySpaceTV.
There’s gold in them thar hills!! Part of the justification for the CNN/YouTube debates was expressed as acknowledging the importance of the electronic age, specifically the internet audience and efforts of candidates to tap the voter potential within its demographic. According to some opinions, the success of the 2004 Howard Dean campaign’s focus on internet fund raising created the interest. What is missing from any argument about these trends is the pathetic turnout in most elections in the US. While it may be promoted as good for the process, the entrance of MySpace and MTV into the fray more likely suggests the money angle. Candidates first sought the net for fund raising and it is just as likely the primary incentive for CNN, YouTube, MySpace and MTV is purely profit.
Another point missed by this most recent development in political debates is the lack of meaningful information provided by either arrangement. The traditional debate format is vetted by the political parties, often restricts who is invited and is scripted from beginning to end. The newer format may be intended to engage the under 25 age group yet reports of other efforts to increase the younger vote have failed miserably. If the players in American politics could move past the staged nature of campaigns and elections the public interest in them has a chance of improving. But that is exactly what politicians do not want. Anymore than they want to abandon lobbyists or special interest money. They like things the way they are even though they bemoan the lackluster turnouts and participation by the voting public. And the companies profiting by this new age debate marketing could care less about the process either. They are doing what they do best……making money.
Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com
Trackposted to Right Celebrity, Jeanette’s Celebrity Corner, and Gone Hollywood, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.