New Opportunities For Diversity: Twitter, Journalists and Traditionally Underserved Communities Dr. Carrie Brown, University of Memphis Dr. Elizabeth Hendrickson, University of Tennessee Dr. Jeremy Littau, Lehigh University International Symposium for Online Journalism April 1, 2011

RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND FINDINGS R1: How do young people, ages 19 – 29, use Twitter? R2: Are there any differences in how whites and minority groups use Twitter? R3: Are journalists that utilize Twitter to a) share news and information and b) engage with their audiences more credible to younger and minority audiences?

R1: How do young people, ages 19 – 29, use Twitter? 1.Social tool for informal communication 2.Fun and entertainment 3.Professional networking 4.Information

R2: Are there any differences in how whites and minority groups use Twitter? Functionality, authenticity, networks, hashtags R3: Are journalists that utilize Twitter to a) share news and information and b) engage with their audiences more credible to younger and minority audiences? Engagement and relevancy

Discussion Openness to news mixed in with interactions with friends. Want more engagement and conversation tone within this space. Interaction deepens sense of connection, loyalty and trust.