Affiliations: [a] Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands | [b] University of Washington, USA | [c] Nanyang Technological University, Singapore | [d] State University of New York Institute of Technology,
USA
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Nicholas W. Jankowski, Department of
Communication, Radboud University Nijmegen, Post Office Box 9104, 6500 HE
Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 24 3612372; Fax: +31 24 3613073; E-mail:
N.Jankowski@maw.kun.nl, nickjan@xs4all.nl
Abstract: This study reports on incorporation of the Web during the 2004
European Parliament election as played out in 11 EU Member States. Based on an
analysis of Web site features related to a conceptualization of political
engagement, the study examines utilization of features reflecting information
provision and opportunities for discussion and political action. The findings
reflect the low level of importance historically ascribed to European
Parliament elections. The study also illustrates the diversity in how the Web
was incorporated into this election campaign across the 11 EU Member States,
which may be a consequence of the broad range of political cultural and
contextual aspects shaping this pan-European event.
Keywords: European Parliament election, Web sphere analysis, Web feature analysis, political communication, political engagement, information provision, political action, Internet and elections
