Balanced Reporting and Blogs?
A recent survey by Rasmussen Reports shows there is some demand for “balanced reporting” in blogs. Is there really a potential impact? or is this just “noise” from a survey question? We contend that Blogs have really become the “opinion side” of the media, consumer dominated with business and government only just edging into active engagement in the blogosphere.
The survey says “Fifty-seven percent (57%) say the government should not require websites and blog sites that offer political commentary to present opposing viewpoints. But 31% believe the Internet sites should be forced to balance their commentary” and this is a “politically” focused question as well. The Democrats oppose government mandated balance on the Web by a 48% t 37% margin, while 61% of Republicans reject government involvement in Web content. The conversation it seems, truly is king. Seems unusual that Republicans would be more favourable of independence in content than Democrats.
In short, I doubt we will see any significant debate or impending laws on governing content on the Web anytime soon. Regulating would be a sheer nightmare, and consumer content on the Web continues to grow apace, despite Gartner Research predicting a slow-down in blog activity. We suspect blogging and Social Media to rise in activity based on improved Smart Phone capabilities with the integration of Wi-Fi and 3G service, continued “cocooning” and more time spent at home in a slowing economy with high gas prices.
Do you think we’ll see a rise in Social Media activity in coming months? Will we ever reach a point where government might begin to regulate or attempt to regulate any form of Social Media? Would it even be possible?