Media Changes and Shake-ups
Media is changing in our society. Where media used to be divided into the categories of television, radio, and print publishing (books, magazines, newspaper, etc.) media today is intermixed. Some key innovations in technology–e.g. the personal computer, the internet, the cell phone–have revolutionized the way people communicate, and as the functions of these inventions become more popular, newer technology finds ways to unite them together. With the technology available to us today, newspapers and magazines are read on the internet, books are available for e-download on cell phone screens, and podcasts broadcast radio programs to millions everywhere.
Media technology is blossoming in every facet of the industry, which in turn alters the ways people use media to communicate, learn, stay connected, and be entertained. In particular, the internet has revolutionized the way people use computers and digital devices to interact. Social Media Platforms like Myspace and Facebook create digitalized social spaces where people keep track of their friends, share their lives, ambitions, and businesses, and make connections. Digital media, such as streaming online video feeds (Youtube) provides a unique source of information and entertainment for millions worldwide. With the invention of the iPhone from Apple and handheld telecommunication devices like it, all forms of media can be taken anywhere.
As technology changes media, media companies invoke change in business practices to maximize new and emerging markets. Where the media industry was once divided into the branches of television, radio, and print publishing–branches that sometimes cooperated and sometimes competed for advertising dollars–the distinction between them has become increasingly blurred. As the different mediums for communication become more interconnected, media companies themselves have found it increasingly profitable to collaborate, establish partnerships, and facilitate mergers between media companies in order to incorporate radio, television, newspapers, magazines, search engine technology, telecommunications under one umbrella.
The technology leaders in the shake-up of the media industry include technicians, innovators, enterprising businessmen and women, and the media metric moguls that scramble to make sure their technology provides accurate information on what it’s all worth. Although the playing field keeps changing, leaders and innovators in media technology are on the forefront of systemic social, business, and political change.
As innovations in technology and media continue to change, keeping and eye on the leaders of the industry will let us know what is coming next in a interconnected world where media is the conduit for business, the vehicle for social interaction, and the springboard for technological development.
