There’s Power in the Video

Dan Farber writes that the impact of sites like YouTube will become an even greater influence on the political scene than old-school blogging. Did I really say old-school? Crikey, this technology stuff moves faster than a scared rabbit in heat. Maybe it’s time that I got that new digital camcorder I’ve been drooling over:

While bloggers played a role in the last presidential election, most advertising and message delivery still comes from campaigns, political parties and interest groups with enough money to bankroll a television blitz. But the YouTube revolution — which includes dozens of sites such as Google Video, Revver.com and Metacafe.com — could turn that on its head.

If any teenager can put up a video for or against a candidate, and persuade other people to watch that video, the center of gravity could shift to masses of people with camcorders and passable computer skills. And if people increasingly distrust the mainstream media, they might be more receptive to messages created by ordinary folks.

“YouTube is a campaign game-changer, shifting the dynamics of how to reach voters and build intimate relationships,” says Julie Supan, senior marketing director for the small, California-based firm, which by one measure now runs the 39th most popular Web site. “YouTube levels the playing field, allowing well-backed and less-known candidates to reach the same audience and share the same stage.”

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