KevinRuddPM: man of the tweeple
10Oct09

Today I experienced first hand an example of how pervasive social media has become.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is a master media manipulator. He has played his cards remarkably well across all media since ascending to the Labor leadership. He also jumped on the social media bandwagon fairly early and has dabbled ever since.

This morning, our workaholic PM obviously had a bit of rare spare time on his hands and was considering hitting the local cinemaplex to catch a flick. But first he had to let us know via Twitter and ask our opinion of his likely entertainment:

@KevinRuddPM: Thinking of going to the movies with T to see Julie and Julia with Meryl Streep. Any thoughts out there? KRudd

I happened to be online when our No.1 tweep said this and naturally I felt compelled to comment:

@mediahunter: Wkly to do list @KevinRuddPM 1. Fight global warming 2. Keep economy rolling along 3. Watch Liberals implode 4. twitter for movie rec’s

I thought nothing more of it, until I was alerted to a news story by a few other friends on Twitter.

Seems, that being a slow news day means that journos might be trawling Twitter for stories. ABC News online had decided to document K-Rudd’s tweet and the ensuing responses, including mine.

ABC suggested that some of us were having a chuckle at the PM’s expense, but that wasn’t entirely true. While I was quite amused that the Prime Minister was tweeting out about movies, also think its not a bad thing, as I pointed out in my first tweet in response to @KevinRuddPM

@mediahunter: @KevinRuddPM my thoughts: amazed I live in a country where the elected leader tweets @ going to movies & asks opinion. Good stuff.

What does it all mean?

Not much really, except to prove that social media is well and truly becoming a part of everyday life in Australia. The PM, like many politicians, is using social media to connect occasionally and the mainstream media are using it as part of their news.

….and occasionally us average tweeps can get swept along for the ride.

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Posted under Media Mix, Social Media

3 Responses to “KevinRuddPM: man of the tweeple”

You must feel a little chuffed that you were involved with the number one man ;)
Agree… social media is a part of daily life; it doesn’t matter who you are and what you do. You only have to follow Barack Obama on FaceBook to see the thousands of responses he gets from his posts; in turn getting instant points of view from his followers.
It says to me they are keeping up with the worlds trends and I like that approach.

Comment by Glenda on October 10th, 2009

Why do you say he is a master manipulator?

“What does it all mean?

Not much really, except to prove that social media is well and truly becoming a part of everyday life in Australia.”

Statistics prove that it’s part of everyday life in Australia. The PM tweeting proves he’s human.

Comment by jordan_k on October 13th, 2009

Jordan

All politicians “manipulate” the media, or try their best to do it. This isn’t meant as a sleight against Mr Rudd, merely acknowledgment that he does it better than most using all available channels.

Comment by Media Hunter on October 13th, 2009

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