New Media, Old Problems

It is widely claimed that new technology offers great potential for expanding the horizons of political communication and overcoming some of the problems associated with traditional media in furthering the democratic process. New forms of communication, it is argued, will foster greater interest and participation in the political process which will in turn enhance and enrich democracy. However, although the inadequacies of traditional media pose serious problems for political discourse and democracy, the empirical and conceptual difficulties surrounding new media make their contribution to the political process equally problematic. While new media may offer some opportunities for elite groups at the margins, traditional mass media will continue to dominate the discourse and conduct of politics.