Webcast
The role of 21st century media during a national election campaign has never been greater. Today, an accidental comment or misstep by a candidate can be replayed "virally" on YouTube and other "social networks," adversely affecting or benefiting a campaign. Through the Internet, a candidate can raise millions of dollars, communicate with voters and advocate policy positions, all dramatically changing the dynamic of election outcome. As candidates and voters adapt to the unique role new and traditional communications play in the 2008 election, it is important to analyze and contemplate the impact of the 21st century media landscape. How are state-of-the art communications shaping the 2008 election and how will it do so into the future?
This symposium brings together leaders in industry, scholarship and government to deliberate the many challenges and opportunities presented by today's emerging media landscape. Our first panel considers the roles of new and old media, including upstarts such as YouTube, Facebook and campaign-related blogs, as 2008 candidates vie for voter attention and support. The second panel provides insight into the perspective of telecommunications and media businesses as they adapt to new media, including issues of ownership, vertical and horizontal media concentration and advertising. Finally, our third panel looks at what the future may hold in the context of media and the electoral process after the 2008 election. In what ways will the continued and rapid change of telecommunications technology influence public policy, legal decisions and regulation; how will the White House and Congress impact the industry in 2008 and beyond?
This symposium offers its audience a unique opportunity to assess the vital issues of how communications media and technology will shape the 2008 election, and just as importantly, how these factors will influence the future of the electoral process.
