Live Blog: How social media is changing politics and reporting

Social media gives politicians more direct access to reporters and the public. Plus they theoretically have a way to better control their messages. But does such tight control of messaging mean the general public is missing a key element of the conversation?

On Wednesday evening, two distinct groups of experts will weigh the influence of social media on our political discourse. Does social media help strengthen the reliability of sources used by political reporters? How are politicians' images influenced by social interaction?

The discussion will be hosted by the Canadian Journalism Foundation and Carleton University. The political reporters will debate the issue first, followed by the politicians. The discussion begins at 6:30 p.m. Join us below for what is sure to be a lively discussion!

List of reporters:
Glen McGregor, national reporter, Ottawa Citizen
Kady O’Malley, journalist, CBC.ca's Inside Politics blog
David Reevely, City Hall reporter, Ottawa Citizen
Joanna Smith, political reporter, Ottawa Bureau, Toronto Star
Nick Taylor-Vaisey, reporter, Parliament Hill, Maclean’s
Andrew Potter, managing editor, Ottawa Citizen (moderator)

List of politicians:
Marc Garneau, MP for for Westmount--Ville-Marie
Megan Leslie, MP for Halifax
Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa
Christopher Waddell, director of the School of Journalism and Communication,
Carleton University (moderator)

Let us know your thoughts on the issue in the comment section below.