Utilization Of Whatsapp As A Political Communication Channel For Politicians Padang City

This study aims to determine the use of social media Whatsapp (WA) as a political communication channel Member of Parliament of Padang City 2014-2019 to netizen. This research is done through approach of constructive qualitative paradigm by using phenomenology method. Informants were selected through purposive sampling techniques. While the technique of data collection is done through interview, observation,
and documentation study. The results show that WA as Social Media has become a new force in political communication. For Members of Parliament of Padang City 2014-2019, WA is not just an information media, but
has functioned as a media Silaturahmi (Gathering), Presentation, and Self Image. Even that is not less important
is the WA has been used as a media recess. Formally each member of the parliament is given the opportunity to meet with his constituents 3 times a year. Through WA legislative members can meet their constituents at all times. This is a new strategy of legislative members in maintaining the existence of legislative members in the next election. Suggestions in this study, first for legislative members who have used WA as a political communication channel to optimally utilize and continue to expand the existing network. Secondly, for the legislative members who have not used WA or other social media to quickly create a social media account. Therefore, the existence of WA or other social media today has been felt very helpful legislative tasks. Aside from being a media publication and aspiration, social media also serves as a bridge of interaction between legislative members and the community. Through WA or other social media sharing issues in the community can be known quickly so that handling can be done quickly and precisely.