One of the reocurring criticisms of the open government movement is the lack of enhanced governing. Having access to information is not the same as being engaged in the policy. In their own way, YouTube is helping to change this.
Recently the people behind the news and politics section of the web site put the finishing touches on their debate forum, dubbed YouTube Town Hall. The channel pits two politicians against each other in debates centered around the budget, economy, energy, Afghanistan, education and health care. While the topics were originally chosen by their popularity on Google News and web search, in the future the site plans to accept questions from viewers.
It should be noted that sides are not necessarily drawn along party lines. Only after voting for the winning argument will you find out what party the debater belongs to. Of course, the votes are being tallied and displayed on a leader board.
YouTube Head of News and Politics Steve Grove estimates that when the precusor to Town Hall launched, only about half of the members of Congress had YouTube channels. Now, that number is around 90% .
“Politicians are realizing that being on YouTube is not just a hobby,” Grove says. “It’s faster than other media, more ubiquitous than other media. It’s sight, sound and emotion all in one. It’s probably the most comprehensive way you have to get a message out there.”