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Deliberation and debate can occur via the internet and other web sources however this type of debate is not as substantial as face to face debate. Face to face debate allows for credibility and people to own up to what they have said. On the internet people can make up anything they want to just to back up their point. On the internet, there is more of the time sensative issue as well. If people are debating via blogging the topic has a chance to settle down if both people are not at their computers right at the same time typing to each other. So i n person debating adds another element of emotions and being active. It is harder to clarify points when they are typed and not in person because you can't ask the other person right away if you understand their arguement correctly. Deliberation and debate can occur in both settings but it is used better when it is done away from the internet.

It is not a opposition to mainstream media it is just another outlet. It is just another way for people to get information and incorporate participation more than mainstream media. It also supports mainstream media because you can access the shows on mainstream, online too. If you miss an episode you can watch it online and catch up. It is also a more individual level because each person can look up whatever they want and are not limited to what is being offered to them like on a news program. For example they may say something like "today we are going to talk about....." and then list their top stories but the viewer doesn't have a choice of what is being shown. Online they can look for whatever stories they want to hear about. The internet is just complementing mainstream media and is not opposing it.