Nebraska Immigration: Deliberative Polling and Civic Engagement on Broadcast and New Media Coverage

Authors

Jeremy Harris Lipschultz, University of Nebraska at OmahaFollow
Michael L. Hilt, The University of Nebraska at OmahaFollow
David C. Ogden, University of Nebraska at OmahaFollow
Hugh J. Reilly, The University of Nebraska at OmahaFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-2009

Publication Title

Feedback: ICOMP Newsletter on Management of Population Programmes

Volume

50

Issue

6

First Page

46

Last Page

54

Abstract

Data were analyzed from an October 2007 deliberative poll event in Omaha, Nebraska. The focus of pre-event survey questions was on the usefulness of media sources on the coverage of the global immigration issue. The goal of the project was to promote civic engagement of citizens on an important public issue. The focus of post-event survey questions was on attention paid to media. Additionally, a post-event focus group explored public opinion on credibility of various news sources. While the deliberative poll produced some evidence of short-term effects in terms of citizens learning about the immigration issue, attitudes about media credibility appeared to be well established before the event and based on personal experiences. These beliefs may also have influenced the course of dialogue within the deliberative poll event. The method proved valuable for exploring in-depth views about controversial issues.

Recommended Citation

Lipschultz, Jeremy Harris; Hilt, Michael L.; Ogden, David C.; and Reilly, Hugh J., "Nebraska Immigration: Deliberative Polling and Civic Engagement on Broadcast and New Media Coverage" (2009). Communication Faculty Publications. 16.
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/commfacpub/16