Obama New Media Director Backs Open Source Government

Description: Complete video at: fora.tv White House director of new media Macon Phillips supports the use of open source software and encourages development of third-party apps based on open government data. "Open source development...represents the best of civic participation," says Macon. "It's really exciting to think that we could tap a community that has a long history of innovation." ----- Radio host Kojo Nnamdi joins Director of New Media at the White House Macon Phillips in a conversation about how the White House is using new media. How is working inside the government different from common assumptions? What regulations might need to change to make it easier for government to use social media effectively? - Web 2.0 Summit As the Director of New Media at the White House, Phillips develops and manages the Obama Administration's online program, including whitehouse.gov. Phillips ran the new media program for the Presidential Transition Team (Change.gov) and served as the Deputy Director of the Obama campaign's new media department (barackobama.com). Prior to the campaign, Phillips led Blue State Digital's strategy practice, working with clients like the Democratic National Committee and Senator Ted Kennedy. An Americorps*VISTA alum, the Huntsville, Alabama native is a graduate of Duke University.