The role of new media in the primaries

"Yes we can" has become a campaign motto for Obama

The internet has been an important tool for the candidates in the US presidential race.

Its use has come under even sharper focus as the Democratic race has come to a head.

The Hillary Clinton campaign launched it's official song with an internet-based spoof video based on the hit TV series, 'The Sopranos'.

This week's internet phenomenon is a pro-Obama song, called "Yes We Can", which features celebrities such as Scarlett Johannson, John Legend and jazz star Herbie Hancock.

So far, 13 million people have viewed it online.

Julie Germany is from the Institute for Politics, Democracy and the Internet at George Washington University.

So, just how important are the alternative media in these primaries?

Listen Listen to Julie Germany

First broadcast 19th February