Tonight I was invited to attend a taping at the Iowa Public Television studio in Johnston for a dialogue between members of the media and regular Iowans. People in the studio audience got to ask questions and make comments about the media coverage commonly observed during the election cycle, and what other kinds of information people would like to see.
One of the members of the panel, Ann Selzer, is a pollster who did a little research on how likely caucus-goers in the state get their media coverage. She found that most "likely caucus-goers in Iowa" get their news and commentary from traditional sources like the Des Moines Register.
Nevermind that the "likely caucus goer" in Iowa is over the age of 55. I directly asked her how many people in her survey were under age 35, but she skirted the question. The poll found that very few "likely caucus goers" use the internet to find information on candidates. Selzer also stated the the more affluent the consumer, the more likely they are to have a newspaper subscription. (I know from my life in the marketing world that the affluent are also much more voracious online media consumers)
Former Governor Tom Vilsack was part of the panel as well. When he wasn't whining about how hard it is for fringe candidates to get noticed in the national media, he was talking about how there are differences in "expert" and "non-expert" bloggers. Ann then chimed in that her research showed that people would be more likely to read "expert" bloggers than "non-expert" bloggers.
You know, I may not be what you'd consider an "expert" blogger, but my voice is just as important as the next in the blogosphere.
I didn't ask if the Des Moines Register sponsored the research. I'm guessing they did. But I was totally amused when Carolyn Washburn, the editor of the Des Moines Register stated, "We're trying to decide whether we want to use all the online tools we have...we don't want to use them just because we have them..."
No, Carolyn, why the heck would you do that? Jeez.
Another interesting aside...one of the panelists was Matthew Dowd, reformed republican strategist. He admitted in front of the whole crowd that he dissed Bush so badly recently that he may never work for another republican again, which seemed just fine to him...
The show airs on June 28 at 7:00 for those of you in Iowa. A transcript will probably be on IPTV's Web site that evening.
Ann Selzer has a Ph.d in Communications and has successfully run a research business since 1989 after working several years in Washington DC for a major public research firm. While I agree that your opinion is just as valuable as the next in blogsphere, this does not make you or anyone else an expert. Having the appropritate education and experience does. Vilsack is exactly correct in that the public is being overwhelmed with so called "experts" writing blogs to sway public opinion. The serious voter and caucus goer who takes the time to do their own research will seek out those blogs that are written by crediable writers who have the experience, credentials and reputation to share their opinions. These are the political writers who deserve to be trusted as they have built their careers and reputations based upon providing solid political analysis, not just opinion.
Posted by: annonymous | June 5, 2007 1:32 PM | Permalink to Comment