FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Monday, April 9, 2012
Contact: Mary Ellen Beatty, (224) 381-9459
MaryEllen.Beatty@franklincenterhq.org
Wisconsin U.S. Senate Debate Of Republican Candidates Utilizes Social Media To Engage Citizens
-Citizens asked to submit debate questions to candidates via social media platforms-
WAUKESHA, WIS. – As more and more citizens turn to social media and online resources to gather information and news, the Wisconsin U.S. Senate Debate of Republican candidates scheduled for this Wednesday will feature questions submitted by citizens via social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
Starting today and leading up to the debate on April 11, citizens can submit their most pressing questions to U.S. Senate candidates Jeff Fitzgerald, Eric Hovde, Mark Neumann and Kip Smith. Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson declined the invitation to participate.
“If we want citizens to be engaged in public debate, we need to meet them on their own terms,” said Jason Stverak, president of the Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity. “The way citizens consume news and information is trending toward social media outlets, and journalists need to make an effort to incorporate these changes or risk losing the very audience they claim to serve.”
Hosted by Wisconsin Reporter, a Madison-based statehouse news organization with a taxpayer focus, as well as the Waukesha County Republican Party, the primary debate will be broadcast LIVE on the Badger State’s public affairs network, WisconsinEye, and several news websites will livestream the debate online, including Wisconsin Reporter, Washington Examiner and RedState.
Citizens can submit their questions in the following ways:
-E-mail questions to WIDebate@WisconsinReporter.com
-Tweet questions on Twitter using the hash tag #WIDebate
-Post questions on the Facebook pages of Wisconsin Reporter or Franklin Center
-Submit a YouTube video (via e-mail or Facebook) for a chance to have your question aired live
The debate will take place at the Waukesha County Exposition Center (1000 Northview Road) on Wednesday, April 11, beginning at 7:00pm. (Doors open at 5:30pm). Watch it LIVE online here.
Members of the public can register to attend HERE.
For media credentials, contact Mary Ellen Beatty at MaryEllen.Beatty@franklincenterhq.org
Franklin Center for Government & Public Integrity promotes social welfare and civil betterment by undertaking programs that promote journalism and the education of the public about corruption, incompetence, fraud, or taxpayer abuse by elected officials at all levels of government. Founded in January of 2009, The Franklin Center is a nonpartisan organization that believes that new technology can advance the cause of transparency in government. The Franklin Center aims to educate, to advise and to train individuals and organizations from all backgrounds to become thorough, unbiased and responsible reporters well versed in new media techniques and journalistic integrity. For more information on the Franklin Center please visit www.FranklinCenterHQ.org
Wisconsin Reporter is a project of the Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity.
# # #
Tags: fitzgerald, GOP, milwaukee, thompson, WIDebate, Wisconsin Reporter
The friend I am bringing is blind. He wants no special consideration but we will sit somewhere where I can describe things to him without being disruptive. Any suggestions?
A lot of republicans state that they do care about the lower and middle class. My question is why don’t you see any republican presidental candidates go to the poor or urban neighborhood? Why should we vote for you, when we can’t see your presence? We are people who votes too.
You’re really a excellent webmaster. The website loading pace is incredible. It sort of feels that you are doing any unique trick. In addition, The contents are masterwork. you have done a excellent task on this subject!