MEPs online: Understanding communication strategies for remote representatives

Abstract : This article explores the use of the Internet by Members of the European Parliament assessing the adoption and strategic uses of online communication. We analysed the websites, weblogs and social networking site profiles of MEPs who linked to their online presence from the European Parliament homepage. Through analysis of the content using a scheme designed to record the presence and functionality of features and tools and recency of updates, we assess how MEPs use the Internet to connect with a range of audiences. We find MEPs embracing a range of features which would be appealing to a wide range of different visitors. There is a minor generational divide among MEPs based both on their age and the length of time their country has been a member of the EU. However overall we suggest there is an ebb and flow of innovation within the online political communication of these parliamentarians.