I think the benefits of direct media (such as Twitter) are more obvious when the constraints on traditional media are more visible. CNN could not (or would not) get authoritative on-the-ground coverage in Iran, and the advantages of direct media became clear. But note well, the same advantage exists in coverage here at home, it's just that the constraints are not so visible (but very real nonetheless). CNN's use of an 'unverified material' tag to identify Twitter and social network content was a howler; as Jon Stewart appropriately said, "CNN should actually consider using this tag more often (say, during reports from White House correspondents and whenever pundits are talking)."
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