Category:Week 12 (11/16 -11/20)

The Internet's Broader Role in the 2008 Campaign

Major News Sources


 * 24% of Americans said they learned the most about a specific candidate online. (This percent has doubled from 2004 when only 13% said they used the internet as a primary source).


 * In 2008 Americans learned the most about the campaign through television shows.


 * Where do people go online when they are looking for information regarding the campaign?


 * While online most people go a conglomerate news source for their information (26% visited MSNBC's website, 23% visited CNN.com).

Comparisions to old media.


 * Traditional news sources such as the newspaper and television have been eroding. However, in 2008, 60% of those polled said that they still get their news from television.  This was down 8% from the 2004 election cycle.

TV v. Internet


 * Overall the television is still the number one source for information.


 * Television comedy shows have become a large source for news, 21% of Americans said comedy shows was a large source for their news. (Side note: People who watch these shows are already news junkies)


 * The big three and the "long tail"

The function of the traditional media in a democracy


 * Gatekeeper


 * Government Watchdog

Blogs as a form of political journalism


 * Blog Scandals


 * Fifth Estate