Five Twitter Users Public Media Should Follow
[Source: NCME Blog, by Bryce Kirchoff, February 23, 2011]
There is a wealth of smart public media practitioners active on Twitter and other social media. A list of “Tweeps” from the 2010 Public Media Camp in D.C. contains more than 200 names alone.
I’ll save my recommendations for whom to follow within the world of public media for a later post, but let me suggest five individuals/organizations I believe are definitely worth a follow:
1) Craigslist Foundation (@craigslist_fndn)
Why it’s worth the click: Craigslist Foundation is all about encouraging nonprofit leaders, businesses, government agencies and philanthropies to act as community connectors. The organization is an impressive catalyst for individual and collective action across America, focusing on discovery, engagement and impact. Add @craigslist_fndn to learn how to strengthen your community, get inspired by the great work of others and receive information about the foundation’s popular Boot Camp events.
2) Vin Crosbie (@vincrosbie)
Why he’s worth the click: When Congress held hearings about the troubles of the newspaper industry, Vin Crosbie was the first person, and only academic, quoted in the Congressional Report. After decades working in media, including executive stints at News Corporation, Reuters and United Press International, Vin has established himself as a leading expert in the changes of the world’s media industries. His tweets offer news and perspective from the front lines of digital disruption.
3) Amy Sample Ward (@amyrsward)
Why she’s worth the click: Amy is an intensely positive technologist dedicated to supporting and educating nonprofits in the use of emerging technologies that cultivate and engage communities. She has presented at numerous conferences and events, including SXSW Interactive and Nonprofit Technology Conference. Follow Amy and you’ll be inspired to connect with communities in new ways. (Note: Devoted readers of NCME’s blog will recognize Amy’s name from an earlier post by Jess Main).
4) Benton Foundation (@benton_fdn)
Why it’s worth the click: With a mission to “…ensure that media and telecommunications serve the public interest and enhance our democracy,” the Benton Foundation is an organization that, like public media, believes educational communications can help advance the common good. Followers of its feed receive information about foundation investments, innovations in community media and links to news articles about changing telecommunications policy.
5) Pew Internet & American Life Project (@Pew_Internet)
Why it’s worth the click: Part of the Pew Research Center, the Pew Internet & American Life Project is a nonpartisan, nonprofit “fact tank” that provides information on the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. Want to know how social networks are affecting news consumption? Curious about the demographic profile of Twitter users? Broadband adoption rate among African Americans? Add @Pew_Internet to your feed and learn how technological and societal trends are shaping public media.
What do you think? Who did we miss? Send me a note at: bryce.kirchoff@mediaengage.org or @mediaengage.
