Blogs gaining on traditional media in politics : New York times

Interesting article in this morning’s New York Times about the growing use of blogs in political advertising.

Analysts say the campaign television advertisement, already diminishing in influence with the proliferation of cable stations, faces new challenges as campaigns experiment with technology that allows direct messaging to more specific audiences, and through unconventional means……What the parties and the candidates are undergoing now is in many ways similar to what has happened in other sectors of the nation — including the music industry, newspapers and retailing — as they try to adjust to, and take advantage of, the Internet as its influence spreads across American society. To a considerable extent, they are responding to, and playing catch up with, bloggers who have demonstrated the power of their forums to harness the energy on both sides of the ideological divide.

As a lawyer or professional service provider, pay attention to trends. Don’t dismiss the message here that that’s just politics and that blogs could never play a key role in my firm’s communicating with our target audience.

Advertisers and politicians are realizing the diminishing role of traditional advertising and communication. They understand the Internet is becoming, if it has not already become, part of the fabric of our society. Blogs are an integral part of Internet communication because they allow people and businesses to connect with their target audience.