Fifteen years ago, Matt Drudge addressed the National Press Club, with words now considered to be prophetic:
“We have entered an era vibrating with the din of small voices. Every citizen can be a reporter, can take on the powers that be. The difference between the Internet, television and radio, magazines, newspapers is the two-way communication. The Net gives as much voice to a 13-year-old computer geek like me as to a CEO or speaker of the House. We all become equal. And you would be amazed what the ordinary guy knows.”
He was right.
The internet has empowered a generation. No longer is media controlled by a few elite members of the community. The advent of the internet has ushered in citizen journalism; the democratization of influence; the “13-year-old computer geeks” are finally being heard and driving action.
In the weeks leading up to Confluence, we will be showcasing and hearing from the digital influencers in Oklahoma who have been successful in using the internet to inform, entertain, and engage their communities.
Inspired by Matt Drudge’s speech, we have reached out to some of Oklahoma’s top political bloggers and websites to ask for their opinion on the current role of online news sources and for advice for those interested in contributing to the conversation.
What role do online news sources have in shaping political conversation?
John Tidwell, TheOkie: “Online news websites, Facebook posts, Twitter feeds and blogs are how we’ll receive our news and information for the foreseeable future. The convenience of the world at your fingertips and the ease of that information readily available in your pocket has opened an entirely new world to those with an interest in politics. A politicians gaffe, the reporter’s story, an opponent’s reaction and the pundits breakdown of what it means to the political landscape can all be disseminated in the course of about 3 hours and you don’t have to look any further than your favorite social media network and be told what it means to you. We started TheOkie because I wanted a news website that covered politics in Oklahoma. Which campaign was doing what, what their TV ads looked like, what mail are they sending, who is running the campaign. That’s the website that I always wanted to see — that website didn’t exist, so we created one. We employ every method of covering campaigns and are accessible in every way possible.” – @jmtulsa
Mike McCarville, The McCarville Report: “Immediacy, the ability to rifle-shot information to readers, is one of the great strengths of online news sources. An event that just happened can be the hot topic in a minute, particularly in politics. Traditional media sources report events just like others online, but many of us have developed the ability to immediately alert readers (rather than the reader having to search for stories as is necessary with traditional news souces). Online news sources often offer points of view that prompt controversy and discussion.” – @mccarvillerept
Brandon Dutcher, Choice Remarks: “Obviously online news sources play a major role in shaping the conversation. Reporters often have their stories up long before the dead-tree version arrives on people’s doorsteps. By then the folks in the public policy arena have already sent them around and had numerous conversations on Twitter and Facebook. And now it’s not just The Oklahoman and the Tulsa World. Now we have Pat McGuigan on the center-right and Oklahoma Watch on the center-left providing interesting news content. Policymakers are paying attention to all of these.” – @brandondutcher
Jamison Faught, Muskogee Politico: “In today’s fast-paced society, the internet really drives public thought and opinion. Rather than waiting for the morning newspaper, or the evening news broadcast, people can now access real-time news and events online from a wide variety of sources. Combined with the advent of mass social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter, online news sources can have a big influence on public political opinion.
Online news sources don’t have to deal with limitations found in traditional news outlets, such as print space or air time. This allows for more in-depth coverage on more topics. Oftentimes, political topics need to be expounded on in some detail in order to get the whole picture. In addition, while traditional media tries to (ostensibly) transmit news in a neutral, unbiased manner, online or “new media” can more easily embrace their ideology and tailor their reporting and messaging to like-minded individuals.
Traditional print/radio/television media can only provide a small glimpse into the complexities of legislation and campaigns. Websites and blogs have become major sources of information for people who go online to find political news. In the ever-changing world of politics, online media can keep up with the news faster.” – @jamisonfaught
What advice would you give to individuals interested in starting a political blog or website?
John Tidwell, TheOkie: “Stay on your toes and react quickly, honestly and objectively. I own a political website which covers politics in Oklahoma. Many people ask me, “why don’t you cover Democrats more often?” My answer: elect more Democrats or get them to say something and we’ll cover it. Bottom line, we live in a Republican state and that pendulum doesn’t look to swing back to the left anytime soon, but when it does, we’ll cover it on TheOkie.”- @jmtulsa
Mike McCarville, The McCarville Report: “For those contemplating the creation of a political blog or website, a few points:
1. Be prepared for a lot of work for not much reward; if you don’t love politics and government, you’ll quickly tire of the effort required. The Internet landscape here, and elsewhere, is littered with the remnants of political sites that fizzled after a few months or years.
2. Finding a niche is essential; we have political sites now that focus on process, procedure and/or political people. Some try to cover everything; the successful sites measure the interests of readers and meet expectations.
3. Having started The McCarville Report as a weekly printed newsletter 33 years ago, I’ve watched the political information landscape change dramatically. I’ve found that institutional knowledge gained over time and through experience allows the perspective that’s useful to many readers and gives credence to what’s reported.” – @mccarvillerept
Brandon Dutcher, Choice Remarks: “For anyone wanting to start a new blog, I would say find a niche and become the go-to blogger on that subject. For example, everyone knows that Michael Bates is the go-to guy for Tulsa politics. And I’m the only person focusing on educational choice in Oklahoma. Give people something they can’t get anywhere else.” – @brandondutcher
Jamison Faught, Muskogee Politico: “Figure out who you want to reach. Do you want to attract like-minded individuals, or will your site be for anyone in general? That will affect how and what you need to write. Decide how you want to write. Will you do lengthy, information-filled posts, or will you keep things short and to the point? Then, write regularly – whether that’s once a day or once a week. You need to give readers something to expect.
Develop relationships with other bloggers or webmasters. Link to other websites that will give your readers interesting information. Read other sites for ideas, and post your own take on the issue on your page. If you write on niche topics, make connections with people who are “in the know”, and look for things you can write about.
Understand that when you write, people trust you to be accurate and truthful. Therefore, be accurate and truthful. Don’t be sloppy, and spread bad information.” – @jamisonfaught
