Haslam touts administration's social media focus

Friday, June 24, 2011, Vol. 35, No. 25

NASHVILLE (AP) — Gov. Bill Haslam is touting his administration's dedication to social media, but he also acknowledges that not every one of his 40,000 followers on Facebook are actually supporters.

The Republican governor said in a speech in Nashville on Thursday that he has stressed the use of platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube to communicate with constituents.

Haslam said social media also provide an avenue for feedback — and that not all of it is positive. The governor told reporters after the event that in reading some of the comments it has become clear that some of his followers are "fans, but not admirers."

An analysis conducted by Haslam's office indicates that he has the eighth most Facebook fans among the nation's governors.