Reminder: User-Generated Video Debates this Monday

To understand the background for this post: just go here.

Just a reminder that the first of the two CNN/YouTube Debates will air this Monday from 7pm-9pmEST (the Democrats answer user-submitted video questions this Monday, the Republicans answer viewer entries in the Fall). Why am I reminding you of this? Because since I posted on this user-generated content debate format, many have asked me how CNN is determining which questions they'll highlight (as I understand, over 1600 questions, or "video questions," have been submitted so far).

From what CNN has said they are "monitoring which questions (videos) have had the most hits and are mapping those to the leading issues" (e.g. education, war, health coverage). Alas, I won't know how many questions they'll include or how "fair" the format is until the debate airs. I really like the format, being it brings the people closer to the candidates and integrates Web 2.0 technologies with broadcast ones. But I still don't like that the questions don't have their own embeds and aren't share-able--and that you can't search the inventory of questions by issue.

Anyhow, I'll be watching the debate so, for whomever is interested, we can chat the good and bad of this program format on Tuesday (my focus is the format not the politics...but heck, I'll talk either).

Also, from Jeff Jarvis, BuzzMachine: "My fondest hope is that viewers — and candidates and journalists — leave the debate impressed with at least a few of the questions. I hope they see that handing over control to us — or I should say, back to us — makes for a better discussion and, in the end, a better democracy. I hope they see that we do care, we are smart. I hope they learn to involve us in their process more often. I hope we all feel better about the election and the country as a result. That is putting a lot of pressure on two hours of TV, YouTube videos, and politicians. But the YouTube debates are a crack in the wall of control of elections, politics, and media. Bring your chisels."

I concur ;-). Again, the original post is here.

Disclaimer: CK has no ties to CNN, she's just very interested in this debate format--and wanted to remind those who've asked that it airs this Monday night.

Comments

[Social Citizen]

Great blog post! Even though I practically live my life online I only just learned about this debate this morning. I had to post immediately, though, on my blog, "Nifty Nation."

[Joe Kutchera]

HI CK - thanks for the update. Going to log online from Mexico to hear the candidates and the all-new, interactive format. All the best.

[Tangerine Toad]

Hey- as I noted during our discussion on Across The Sound, my suspicion is that CNN will start with some sort of framework that they've determined will lead to better ratings/a better "show" and then look for the most interesting questions within that framework.

But then again I'm a cynic.

[CK]

We won't know until we watch the debates. And you know what? If they do poorly then they give other outlets the chance to improve upon them (and you know many will bash them online if they fudge). I already have some gripes with portions of the program (as noted above and in the original post).

But the idea is grand.

The format of using Webby 2.0 to bring politics to the people? I like that a lot. Otherwise I'll have my feedback after I watch these--can't really judge it until I do. Oh, and if this gets more people to watch the debates--that too is good (even tho' it helps CNN's ratings) as I want to see people involved/excited about the political process.

PS: Do hope they'll adress some of the non-U.S. video questions (I just love that the questions came in from all over the world).

[Jonathan Trenn]

CK

I actually think this is an excellent idea, BUT...what makes you think that the candidates will be more forthright in their answers? Often debate moderators ask difficult questions and candidates give canned answers or twist the question to attack opponents.

How will this be different?

[CK]

Can't speak for the candidates sound bites...but I wonder what the people asking the questions, and the overall audience, will think of the answers (if they stay so perfectly canned/rehearsed/manipulated). Maybe if we go about debates differently (having real people ask questions) then it will encourage candidates to go about their answers differently (a girl can hope). Can't really speak to that...just that I love that this is a step in 1) bringing the process back to the people and 2) using Web 2.0 to do just that.

Watch tonight and we'll chat the good and bad tomorrow, k? Can't wait!

[JonB]

Great post! Together with Jarvis, this really presents a great roundup of the offering from a New Media perspective. I agree with Jon Trenn, this needs to be about more than sound bites. Why NOT use CNN as a highlight reel of a "live" and ongoing video formatted debate residing on YouTube and aggregated on CNN.com? Why not allow people to participate in a give and take with the candidates through screened videos? If enough people vote on a given topic, why not empower candidates and voters to speak with one another in a public forum around the issues? We might actually get something done!

I have some more suggestions over at my post titled "It's no longer nobody votes anymore".