Some politicians are increasingly relying on 21st Century word of mouth to attract public attention, rather than the traditional press release. These politicians have embraced social networking sites and blogs, in order to deliver their message directly to their constitutents. Such mediums allow politicians to own the information that is being bounced about in public:

More than ever before, [politicians] can bypass the professional press and deliver an uncensored, unfiltered — and unchecked — message.

“[Social media] allows me to gives my thoughts on the events of the day and the complete text of my comments from speeches and stuff that I give that the mainstream media might not normally cover,” said Francis Slay, the mayor of St. Louis, in a phone interview.

The new media strategies embraced by politicians like Slay may put a damper on the role of the press, but there is another angle to the story, according to some journalists:

Columnist Tony Messenger wrote in an email that social media sometimes does scoop the mainstream media but Twitter and Facebook have actually increased the opportunities for reporters and politicians to interact.

“That can be a good thing for both of us,” Messenger said. “Using direct messages, with (Mayor) Slay and others, I’ve gained a better understanding of stories and instant access when it otherwise might not have been granted.”