Here's an app for journalists to add to their smartphones or tablets - WhipCast.
Whipcast is a creation of the office of the Republican Whip in the House of Representatives, and provides a one-stop shop of information on Republican legislative activities, including press releases, legislative documents and materials, tools for communicating with Congressional offices and leaders, and what's the focus of daily activities. It's also winner of four American Association of Political Consultants "Pollie" awards - a Gold Pollie in the category of “Best Use of Technology,” a Bronze Pollie for “Best Use of Humor” for the “There’s An App For That” video, an Honorable Mention for “Best Use of Mobile Technology,” and to top things off, the “Best of the Best” Award for Internet Public Affairs.
For journalists, political junkies, and pundits, any quick and easy source of information should be welcome, particularly one that provides access to documents and materials. Materials that could support or refute talking points that are all-too-often accepted at face value (and if wrong or misleading, contributes to the declining trust in news).
The WhipCast app is free, and available for all major mobile OS platforms.
Whipcast is a creation of the office of the Republican Whip in the House of Representatives, and provides a one-stop shop of information on Republican legislative activities, including press releases, legislative documents and materials, tools for communicating with Congressional offices and leaders, and what's the focus of daily activities. It's also winner of four American Association of Political Consultants "Pollie" awards - a Gold Pollie in the category of “Best Use of Technology,” a Bronze Pollie for “Best Use of Humor” for the “There’s An App For That” video, an Honorable Mention for “Best Use of Mobile Technology,” and to top things off, the “Best of the Best” Award for Internet Public Affairs.
"As Majority Whip, I understand the importance of utilizing technology to enhance the communications and outreach efforts of the House Republican Conference, while also making the House more open and transparent to the American people,” said Majority Whip McCarthy. “WhipCast embodies these objectives and reaffirms our commitment to changing the culture of Washington, ... I am very proud of all the work that has gone into making it such a success.”Yes, it's partisan, in that it focuses on Republican activities and provides the Republican perspective on current political issues - but what's important is that it is an app that makes that information more readily accessible. I'd hope that the (supposedly more tech-savvy) Democrats would see the success of WhipCast and recognize the value of developing their own app/ information service to provide information and support materials for their efforts.
For journalists, political junkies, and pundits, any quick and easy source of information should be welcome, particularly one that provides access to documents and materials. Materials that could support or refute talking points that are all-too-often accepted at face value (and if wrong or misleading, contributes to the declining trust in news).
The WhipCast app is free, and available for all major mobile OS platforms.