U.S. and EU policymakers increasingly use online channels for information in, messages out In a recent article, “Congress tackles new media,” Roll Call discusses how U.S. policymakers are adapting to the digital communications trend, using social media channels to disseminate and amplify messages. But U.S. policymakers aren’t the only politicos taking advantage of new media tools, according to a recent StrategyOne survey of legislative staff in five major capitals – Brussels, London, Paris, Berlin and Washington, D.C. The StrategyOne survey found legislative staff on both sides of the Atlantic regularly access digital outlets and social media to research, influence and set policy: Nearly every staffer (96%) uses online resources for public policy research More than half (54%) reported learning of policy issues for the first time online One in five (19%) actually changed policy positions based on information and opinions they found online If you are considering whether a Facebook message, YouTube video, Tweet or blog post is the right approach in communicating on a policy issue, click here for details on the impact of social media on policymakers and their staff. While digital is becoming increasingly important, agenda-setting print and broadcast media continue to be an integral piece of the communications mix. The most effective campaigns combine traditional public affairs tactics and online engagement strategies to maximize our clients’ ability to influence policy.
To learn more about how to extend your public affairs outreach online, please contact Michael Krempasky, executive vice president of Digital Public Affairs, at michael.krempasky@edelman.com For more information about our research firm, StrategyOne, please contact Robert Moran, executive vice president, at robert.moran@strategyone.net or click here: www.strategyone.net