Political parties in Tamil Nadu have woken up to the potential of social media and launched their own websites as they think the coverage in the mainstream media is not adequate.
“We cannot fully rely on mainstream media for publicity. Social media not only helps us reach students, youth and education sections, it also gives us a good idea about the expectation of the people. Constructive criticism makes us to correct ourselves,” DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin toldThe Hindu.
The DMK recently re-launched its portal Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, which was originally created in 2008 by a team of professional webmasters. Subsequently, the team created a Facebook page for DMK leader M. Karunanidhi and party treasurer M.K. Stalin also joined the social media by creating his own account.
On Wednesday, PMK’s Chief Ministerial candidate Anbumani Ramadoss launched ANBUMANI4CM - Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss as CM Candidate for Tamil Nadu to further his campaign to promote the alternative front concept against the Dravidian parties in the State.
“You cannot ignore social media anymore, especially when even the mainstream media picks up stories from the social media. Only social media can ensure that our view point on every issue reaches our partymen and the general public alike as the mainstream media accommodates only 10 per cent of the contents of our statement or speech,” said Mr. Anbumani.
Political parties are also turning to professionals and event managers to run their websites. Mr. Karunanidhi’s web contents are managed by S. Suresh and N. Naveen, who in 2008 coordinated the election campaign of US President Barack Obama.
PMK to launch website: The Hindu - Mobile edition
