CNN and Convergence

Never before in the history of political campaigns has voters played such a pivotal role in the presidential election process. This new role was made possible by various multimedia tools available online. During the democratic primaries, CNN held the first ever CNN/YouTube debate. During this debate, the candidates answered questions directly from voters via YouTube. According to YouTube, the candidates answered 39 questions from the 3000 received. The questions were sometimes personal, comical and heartfelt. Most importantly, it gave the candidates the chance to look beyond their campaign and into the eyes and heads of those voting for them. Some believe these YouTubers stole the spotlight and asked the questions “real” people wanted to know, in place of political jargon that most often feels this debate.



I believe CNN seized the popularity of citizen involvement. During the RNC, protestors rallied and CNN were able to keep up with the protestors’ plight by subscribing to the twitter account of many of the organizations protesting. CNN’s Wolf Blitzer read the “tweets” on the air.

CNN also encourages citizens to report their thoughts on the political campaign through what they call I reporters. This past weekend CNN contributor Roland Martin hosted “What they didn’t say at the debate”, a show focused on the plight of middle class Americans. The show featured some of CNN’s top I–Reporters. Instead of shunning the work of bloggers CNN is taking advantage of the new medium and using it to create a convergent brand.