Media Magic Weblog

This week I’ve been thinking about all the new types of emerging media. There’s texting, podcasting, web sites, e-mails, video ads, widgets, films, blogs, chats, social networking sites like MySpace/Facebook and in-game ads. While each of these tools is very effective in their own special way, I’d like to discuss texting and social networking sites.

This week Barack Obama’s campaign made history by utilizing a texting/e-mail campaign. They encouraged supporters to sign-up on Barack’s website. Supporters that gave their phone number or e-mail address were the first to know who Obama chose as his running mate.  Sure enough, the choice was kept a secret until I received my text msg Saturday morning around 8 a.m with the news Joe Biden had been chosen as his running mate. Below is the text of the e-mail:

Kasey –

http://my.barackobama.com/welcomejoe

Thanks for your support,

P.S. — Make sure to turn on your TV at 2:00 p.m. Central Time to join us or watch online at http://www.BarackObama.com.

I believe this campaign marks an important moment in the emergence of new media. Never before has a presidential candidate utilized new media in this way. It really created a sense of one-on-one attention and helped Obama strengthen his relationship with every individual supporter, even the undecided.

It will be interesting to see if McCain responds with the same type of campaign. Do you think he’ll join the texting/e-mail bandwagon?

Another new media technique Obama has used successfully is MySpace. I’m a huge MySpace fan. Although I have to say I was originally “friends” with Hillary Clinton before Obama. By being “friends” with both of them, I can tell you Obama was much more active with his profile. His campaign staff is constantly updating blogs and posting new information. Clinton never posted bulletins or updated her profile which makes the 18-35 year old demographic feel under-appreciated and disrespected. It’s not enough to say “Hey kids look at me! I do care about you…I have a MySpace page!”