His video might not be as popular as a laughing baby, but Prime Minister's YouTube response to the Throne Speech shows that political leaders are attempting to reach out to new and younger audiences.
Canadians were asked to submit questions and then vote on what they thought were the best questions for Harper to answer in regards to the Throne Speech.
Stephen Harper and TalkCanada partnered in hopes to reach out to new (younger?) audiences. He is the second political leader (U.S. President Barack Obama was the first) to use this method to communicate with a wider range of audience -- a much larger audience. At the beginning of this year, almost 79 million users watched more than three billion videos in the month of January alone.
Success on YouTube may soon be a major factor in shaping public opinion, with the power to make or break a celebrity, politician or idea. While many see YouTube as an idle distraction or procrastination tactic, it is for the motivated and interested observer that YouTube affords the greatest power in providing thousands of interviews, speeches and broadcasts to sift through. Users who want to make a difference can by the use of simple video editing and creating thoughtful or political statements of their own.
As an aspiring PR professional, I think it makes sense that political leaders would want to generate support from a new audience and make use of all the tools possible to do so. Despite the fact that these videos might open one up to criticism and negative comments, there is something to be said about being transparent in broadcasting an interview, reaching out to Canadians and answering their questions and addressing their concerns. All I can say is kudos to Prime Minister Harper for embracing new media!
I have to admit, I didn't hear about this YouTube video until I watched The Rick Mercer Report on Tuesday night. Rick's rants are my favourite part of the show and definitely a fun way to learn about politics.
Anyway, he brings up a theory he has about web cams in Parliament and how the Internet can single handedly save Canadian democracy. Now I don't know about that, but I think that this video is definitely entertaining to watch nonetheless.
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