Mediennutzung und -wahrnehmung von Bundestagsabgeordneten: Ersetzen oder ergänzen Online-Medien klassische Informations- und Kommunikationskanäle?

Abstract

[Numerous studies have shown that online media have become important for the political information and communication of members of parliament. Thus, the question arises whether the extension of the media repertoire of parliamentarians to online media has consequences for the use of traditional media communication channels. To answer this question, two surveys among the Members of the German Bundestag were conducted in 2012 and 2013 (n = 194 and 149). The results demonstrate that the parliamentarians use both online and offline media extensively. In particular, newspapers are still relied on strongly, even more than social media. Especially younger parliamentarians use the latter more frequently and the same is true for parliamentarians who perceive social media to be suitable for political information. Although the complementary use of online and offline media for political information and communication is rational for various reasons, it must be kept in mind that they are tied to additional challenges and demands.]