YouTube as political weapon

Maggie Fox, September 6 2006

I noted with interest this article in today’s IAB email that campaigners in the American mid-term elections are using YouTube to run political ads. The problem? “Videos on YouTube don’t have to disclose their source or include an on-air approval from a candidate — two requirements for political TV and radio spots.” What an interesting work-around.

There are, of course, logistical issues around how regulators will deal with it, and then what about the public? There have already been a number of incidents in which fat-cat lobbyists posing as hipsters have posted content. Will the young kids of today become more savvy about the message, regardless of the medium? (Fyi, that’s my bet)