US government used YouTube, which is a popular video-sharing website, to make statements and announcements to shade lights on various political and foreign policy issues.
In October, Department of State spokesman Sean McCormack launched a YouTube account titled “Briefing 2.0” which allows people to get information on issues especially the most pressing ones.
In a recorded video which lasted for about 40 minutes, McCormack answered nine questions which were submitted online. Most of the inquiries came from university students which were encouraged by the department to take part from this landmark event.
While some people saw this as a quantum leap for a more open discussion between citizens and the government, some critics suggested that this still lacks two-way communication since no one can raise follow-up questions to McCormack who was uninterrupted for the whole time he was talking, adding that traditional press briefing can not be replaced because with this, people are given more chance to challenge the response of government officials.
While this video has been posted on November 20, it only earned more than 800 views which were considered to be paltry compared to other video postings on YouTube.
Despite some apparent limitations of posting videos from YouTube, McCormack remained optimistic that this will pave a way for a new and more interactive diplomacy, adding that there has been a “pretty good response”.
For web-centric people, McCormack urged them to visit the State Department’s YouTube page which can provide many video contents of diplomats and government officials conducting speeches, adding that the webpage also includes some interviews with bureaucrats and political figures.
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