Integrating New Media and Old Media: Seven Observations Of

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Integrating New Media and Old Media: Seven Observations Of The Study Integrating New Media and Old Media: This study examines convergence as Seven Observations of Convergence as a both a concept and a process. I exam- Strategy for Best Practices in Media ine the current state of convergence, Organizations various definitions of convergence, con- vergence practices, and I identify Seven Observations of Convergence to be used as a strategy for best practices in orga- nizations to integrate new and old me- by Gracie Lawson-Borders, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, U.S.A. dia. Everett Rogers’ (1995) diffusion of innovations and the five stages of the innovation process in organizations, coupled with innovation management Introduction land 2001, par. 11). Gentry states by research (Day & Schoemaker 2000; 2001 there were some 50 media part- Murtha, Lenway & Hart 2001; Saksena Convergence is the window of oppor- nerships or affiliations across the U.S. & Hollifield 2002; Wheelwright & Clark tunity for traditional media to align it- practicing convergence, and the lure 1992) are theoretical foundations used self with technologies of the 21st cen- for the media companies ‘is increased to examine the infusion of technologi- tury. The digitization of media and advertising revenue brought about by higher cal change into business practices in information technology and the ensu- ratings, more subscribers, or more website the media industry. The study is based ing transformation of communication traffic’ (Wendland 2001, par. 10). There on research conducted during the sum- media are major contributors to con- is an economic and philosophical du- mer of 2002, and includes excerpts vergence (Gershon 2000; Fidler 1997). ality to the convergence goal for media from more than 36 hours of taped, in- Digital technology compresses infor- organizations that seek to capture depth interviews, participation-obser- mation and allows text, graphics, pho- users and audiences for their online vation field study, and archival docu- tos, and audio to be transmitted effec- and offline business units. ments from three leading corporate tively and rapidly across media platforms. The phenomenal growth of the Internet from the introduction of Abstract the Mosaic graphical browser to PDF files, audio and streaming video has This study examines convergence as both a concept and a process. It examines the resulted in a rapid expansion of online current state of convergence, various definitions of convergence, convergence prac- content. Changing demographics and tices, and it identifies Seven Observations of Convergence to be used as a strategy for competing messages have made the best practices for organizations to integrate new and old media. Everett Rogers (1995) Internet particularly attractive to tra- diffusion of innovations and the five stages of the innovation process in organiza- ditional print and broadcast media tions, coupled with innovation management research are theoretical foundations used who have sought to protect brand to examine the infusion of technological changes into business practices in the media name and their historical specialty of industry. The study is based on research conducted during the summer of 2002 that gathering and disseminating news, in- included in-depth interviews, participation-observation, and archival documents from formation, and entertainment. three leading corporate media groups and convergence pioneers-Tribune Company, Media-General, and Belo Corp at their integrated business units in Chicago, Dallas, The integration of content across me- and Tampa, Florida. The three organizations were selected for field study because dia platforms to connect users is part they are convergence pioneers that fell under the grandfather clause of the U.S. Fed- of the goal of convergence in media or- eral Communications Commission 1975 cross-ownership rule and were allowed to ganizations. ‘This is all in its infancy and g maintain ownership of their television broadcast and newspaper business units in it’s happening because newspapers are see- the same market. nal.or ing subscriptions declining and TV stations are watching viewers decline and they fig- Gracie Lawson-Borders, Ph.D., ure that if they can cross promote each other ([email protected]) .mediajour and share resources, they can attract new au- www diences and save money,’ according to is an Assistant Professor at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, U.S.A. Her James Gentry, dean of the University of research focuses on media convergence, media management and ethics. Kansas School of Journalism (Wend- © 2003 – JMM – The International Journal on Media Management – Vol. 5 – No. II : (91 – 99) 91 media organizations. Tribune Com- system that has pushed beyond dots as magazines, newspapers, television, pany, Media General, and Belo Corp. are and dashes through wires to millions cable, and radio) with new media (com- pioneers in convergence at their inte- of 0s and 1s, the digitization of content puters and the Internet) to deliver con- grated business units in Chicago, (Negroponte 1995). Compaine (1981) ar- tent. Convergence is an elusive term Dallas, and Tampa, Florida. The conve- gues that the information marketplace that is used in multiple contexts, and is nience sample set of the three organi- presents different challenges because of often ambiguous in its definition. zations was also selected for field study shifting boundaries as technology in- Jenkins (2001) argues convergence is because they are convergence pioneers creased the variety of delivery channels. not a simplistic statement of electroni- that fell under the grandfather clause ‘The content of messages is not changing so cally retrieving information but occurs of the U.S. Federal Communications much as it is the range of alternative conduits on multiple levels through five pro- Commission (FCC) 1975 cross-owner- by which they can be processed and transmit- cesses: technological, economic, social, ship rule and were allowed to maintain ted and the variety of formats in which they global, and cultural convergence. Seib ownership of their print and broadcast can be displayed,’ according to Compaine (2001) states, ‘convergence involves marry- units in the same market (Gomery (1981, p. 135). Media organizations in ing the slick format of television to the almost 2002). (Author’s Note: the FCC aban- today’s environment must cope with infinite information-providing capacity of the doned the cross-ownership rule on June technological changes that move expo- Internet’ (p. 7). Andrew Nachison of the 2, 2003.) When the three companies in- nentially to the next competing content American Press Institute’s Media Center clude their online business units, they delivery device. defines convergence as ‘the strategic, op- have three platforms to deliver content erational, product and cultural union of in one market. In Dallas, Belo also owns The wedding of technology and content print, audio, video and interactive digital in- The Dallas Morning News, WFAA the delivery by computer has opened the formation services and organizations’ ABC affiliate, and the statewide cable, doors to new opportunities in the me- (Nachison, A. 2002, pers. comm., 9 Aug.). TXCN. In Chicago, Tribune owns The dia industry under a term called con- The list of convergence definitions are Chicago Tribune, WGN radio and WGN- vergence. Chris Kelley, editor of Belo consistent in the discussion of blending TV, and a local cable franchise, CLTV. Interactive’s Dallas Web Operations, technological capabilities to deliver Media General in Florida owns The states that we are in a ‘digital revolution’ content on multiple platforms through Tampa Tribune, and WFLA the NBC af- that is powered by the convergence of computer driven distribution systems. filiate. Tribune, Media-General, and different content delivery technologies Belo are touted in the popular press, (Kelley, C. 2002, pers. comm. 3 June). I characterize convergence as the realm trade press and scholarly works as ex- Where convergence will lead is still un- of possibilities when cooperation oc- amples of organizational commitment known, but the media industry is curs between print and broadcast for to convergence practices. stretching to meet the challenge in an the delivery of multimedia content The research questions that guide this evolving multimedia environment. through the use of computers and the study are: Internet. This is based on a model illus- 1. What are the daily processes used by Defining Convergence trated in Figure 1 that privileges elec- media organizations to operational- tronic delivery of content by using com- ize convergence in their newsrooms? Convergence definitions vary, but in puters and the Internet as the core at 2. What best practices or business most incantations it is the blending of which the intersection of data can ar- models have been identified as ap- old media, (e.g., traditional media such rive from numerous platforms. plicable for convergence? 3. What are the cultural changes (for Figure 1: Convergence Definition Model employees and the organization) that occur when media outlets adopt con- vergence as a way of doing business? Medium Convergence Medium Source The media industry is challenged by Wireless Radio www emerging digital technologies that have hoisted innovations in technological Computer .mediajour tools into business units with incred- Print & Televison Internet ible speed. The transformation to elec- nal.or tronic delivery of content and the chan- Cable Satellite nels we select have accelerated.
Recommended publications
  • Henry Jenkins Convergence Culture Where Old and New Media
    Henry Jenkins Convergence Culture Where Old and New Media Collide n New York University Press • NewYork and London Skenovano pro studijni ucely NEW YORK UNIVERSITY PRESS New York and London www.nyupress. org © 2006 by New York University All rights reserved Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Jenkins, Henry, 1958- Convergence culture : where old and new media collide / Henry Jenkins, p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN-13: 978-0-8147-4281-5 (cloth : alk. paper) ISBN-10: 0-8147-4281-5 (cloth : alk. paper) 1. Mass media and culture—United States. 2. Popular culture—United States. I. Title. P94.65.U6J46 2006 302.230973—dc22 2006007358 New York University Press books are printed on acid-free paper, and their binding materials are chosen for strength and durability. Manufactured in the United States of America c 15 14 13 12 11 p 10 987654321 Skenovano pro studijni ucely Contents Acknowledgments vii Introduction: "Worship at the Altar of Convergence": A New Paradigm for Understanding Media Change 1 1 Spoiling Survivor: The Anatomy of a Knowledge Community 25 2 Buying into American Idol: How We are Being Sold on Reality TV 59 3 Searching for the Origami Unicorn: The Matrix and Transmedia Storytelling 93 4 Quentin Tarantino's Star Wars? Grassroots Creativity Meets the Media Industry 131 5 Why Heather Can Write: Media Literacy and the Harry Potter Wars 169 6 Photoshop for Democracy: The New Relationship between Politics and Popular Culture 206 Conclusion: Democratizing Television? The Politics of Participation 240 Notes 261 Glossary 279 Index 295 About the Author 308 V Skenovano pro studijni ucely Acknowledgments Writing this book has been an epic journey, helped along by many hands.
    [Show full text]
  • The New Media Technologies: Overview and Research Framework
    THE NEW MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES: OVERVIEW AND RESEARCH FRAMEWORK Linda Weiser Friedman Professor, Department of Statistics & Computer Information Systems Baruch College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York [email protected] Hershey H. Friedman Professor of Marketing and Director of Business Programs Department of Economics Brooklyn College of the City University of New York [email protected] April 2008 Electronic copy available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1116771 THE NEW MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES: OVERVIEW AND RESEARCH FRAMEWORK ABSTRACT The so-called new media technologies – often referred to as Web 2.0 – encompass a wide variety of web-related communication technologies, such as blogs, wikis, online social networking, virtual worlds and other social media forms. First, we present several views or perspectives that may be used to answer the question, "what is new media?" Then we examine and review five critical characteristics of the new media technolgies – the Five C's: communication, collaboration, community, creativity, and convergence. Finally, we look at some of the uses and applications of new media in a selection of disciplines. This overview provides a much needed framework for scholars and educators who wish to learn from and contribute to this field of study. INTRODUCTION There has been much written in the trade and popular press –and quite a bit in scholarly publications – about specific new media technologies and their use in business (see, e.g., Manyika 2007) and in other arenas. The so-called new media technologies – often referred to as Web 2.0 – encompass a wide variety of web-related communication technologies, such as blogs, wikis, online social networking, virtual worlds and other social media forms.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 1. “New Media” and Marshall Mcluhan: an Introduction
    Chapter 1. “New Media” and Marshall McLuhan: An Introduction “Much of what McLuhan had to say makes a good deal more sense today than it did in 1964 because he was way ahead of his time.” - Okwor Nicholaas writing in the July 21, 2005 Daily Champion (Lagos, Nigeria) “I don't necessarily agree with everything I say." – Marshall McLuhan 1.1 Objectives of this Book The objective of this book is to develop an understanding of “new media” and their impact using the ideas and methodology of Marshall McLuhan, with whom I had the privilege of a six year collaboration. We want to understand how the “new media” are changing our world. We will also examine how the “new media” are impacting the traditional or older media that McLuhan (1964) studied in Understanding Media: Extensions of Man hereafter simply referred to simply as UM. In pursuing these objectives we hope to extend and update McLuhan’s life long analysis of media. One final objective is to give the reader a better understanding of McLuhan’s revolutionary body of work, which is often misunderstood and criticized because of a lack of understanding of exactly what McLuhan was trying to achieve through his work. Philip Marchand in an April 30, 2006 Toronto Star article unaware of my project nevertheless described my motivation for writing this book and the importance of McLuhan to understanding “new media”: Slowly but surely, McLuhan's star is rising. He's still not very respectable academically, but those wanting to understand the new technologies, from the iPod to the Internet, are going back to read what the master had to say about television and computers and the process of technological change in general.
    [Show full text]
  • Multimedia Foundations Glossary of Terms Chapter 1 – Understanding Multimedia
    Multimedia Foundations Glossary of Terms Chapter 1 – Understanding Multimedia Algorithm A mathematical sequence or set of instructions for solving a problem. The software tools used in multimedia design and editing employ mathematical algorithms to systematically rewrite the numerical data structure of a computer file. Analog A recording method that represents the physical properties of images or sound as a continuous signal. Animation The illusion of visual motion created by the rapid projection of still images in two- or three-dimensional space. Audio The reproduction of sound in electronic form. Automation A principle of new media whereby a computer or digital device performs complex or repetitive tasks on behalf of a human programmer or operator. Batch Processing The automated execution of a series of preprogrammed actions by a computer application or software program. Blog An online journal used for posting written narratives and associated multimedia content (pictures, etc.). The term blog is a blended form of the phrase “web log.” Broadcasting Over-the-air transmission of radio and television programs to a mass audience. Communication The process of exchanging a message (thoughts or information) between two or more parties. Requires both a sender and a receiver. Content Sharing The practice of sharing multimedia content (photographs, videos, music, etc.) using an online social media website or mobile app. Convergence The merging together of previously discrete technologies into a new and unified whole. For example, a “smart phone” combines the technologies of a mobile phone, digital camera, and web browser into a single device. Designated Market Area A geographic region serving the population or audience for a specific (DMA) television or radio station’s over-the-air transmissions.
    [Show full text]
  • News Media in a Transitional Media System: News Repertoires in Israel
    . Volume 14, Issue 2 November 2017 Coexistence of ‘old’ and ‘new’ news media in a transitional media system: News repertoires in Israel Hillel Nossek, Kinneret Academic College on the Sea of Galilee, Israel Hanna Adoni, Hebrew University, Jerusalem and Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya, Israel Abstract: This article explores news consumption repertoires in Israel. It is a part of a cross-cultural research project of European audiences in nine European countries, Israel, and New Zealand, conducted as a joint effort by communications researchers from different countries in the context of EU COST Action (IS0906), and continued after the formal end of this action in 2014. The most salient finding of this study in Israel is the balance between the use of traditional media and new media. Although there is a high degree of penetration and adoption of new media technologies for the Israeli audience, the ‘old’ media – print, radio, and, in particular, television – continue to serve as important sources for news consumption. Among Israeli interviewees, four clear-cut repertoires were depicted: Elite Mainstream, Popular Mainstream, New Media Technologies, and Omnivores. In the first and second repertoires, the preferred news sources are the ‘old’ media (television, print, and radio), although the new media are used and appreciated as important and significant sources of news. The omnivores also use both old and new media, with a preference for digital media. Only one repertoire, New Media Technologies, which is comprised mainly of young people, focuses almost exclusively on various new media, in particular, social media, as the most important and almost exclusive source of news.
    [Show full text]
  • MODULE 2 UNIT 2 OLD MEDIA of COMMUNICATION We Had Earlier
    MODULE 2 UNIT 2 OLD MEDIA OF COMMUNICATION We had earlier established that before the introduction of new media technologies, certain media existed. We have critically examined traditional media of communication. Now we will briefly look at the old media of communication with a view of understanding the emergence of new media (technologies). By old media, we mean communication devices that were available before the introduction of new media technologies for communication. Old media are those media of communication where information/messages are disseminated through the mass media before the introduction of the internet (technologies). The mass media refers to communicating with large number of people without direct contact. The mass media are divided into print and broadcast media. Print media include, newspapers, books, journals, pamphlets etc., while broadcast media include radio, TV, movies etc. These type of media preceded the new media technologies. Broadcast Media These include media that broadcast its messages or information to a large heterogeneous audience. The media include radio and television. With time, other additions include video cassette recorders (VCRs) Radio broadcast were more common because many people owned radio sets, even if they were small. During this era, only a few people owned television sets. Interestingly, television sets were massive; some were small but were characterized with colourless pictures and broadcasts. Unlike what we have now, there were no remote controls in the past. These television sets were analog and operated manually. 1 Television set (coloured) with a radio cassette player Video cassette Print media Print media are those media through which information or messages were passed through printed materials.
    [Show full text]
  • Effects of Advertisement Using Traditional Media and Need for a New Media in Society
    www.idosr.org Lopez ©IDOSR PUBLICATIONS International Digital Organization for Scientific Research. ISSN: 2550-7958. IDOSR JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION AND ENGLISH 5(1) 31-35, 2020. Effects of Advertisement using Traditional Media and need for a New Media in Society. Lopez-Pumarejo, T. Universiti Putra Malaysia, Faculty of Modern Languages & Communication, Department of Communication. Malaysia. ABSTRACT The burgeoning growth of interactive media, and more specifically the Internet, as communication vehicles has inspired a flurry of market research that attempts to measure the impact of advertising in the new media, utilizing traditional advertising measurement methods. However, the full impact of these new media will not be realized unless we engage in more thorough research into how to evaluate their potential in terms of their influence on information search behavior. This article seeks to provide direction for such exploration by proposing a new model of consumer information search that integrates the principles of information economics and a goods classification model based on the search, experience, credence paradigm. This model will facilitate a greater understanding by marketers and academics. Keywords: Traditional media, New Media, Society, Marketing. INTRODUCTION Advertising is a marketing communication These forms of communication are the that employs an openly sponsored, non- steadfast ways that businesses have personal message to promote or sell a reached both consumers and other product, service or idea. Sponsors of companies for decades [3]. They are the advertising are typically businesses roots of advertising and the most wishing to promote their products or common form utilized by businesses on a services. Advertising is differentiated daily basis.
    [Show full text]
  • Media Management
    MMC 6400 – Fall 2015 Mass Communication Theory Class Meeting: Tuesday 8:30-11:30 a.m. (Weimer G-030) Instructor: Dr. Kim Walsh-Childers Journalismn Department 3044 Weimer Hall [email protected] (352) 392-3924 (office) Office Hours: Monday 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday 1-3 p.m. and by appointment. In general, it’s best to make an appointment to be sure that I’ll be available to you when you come by. About the Course I know what you’re thinking (some of you, at least): “Mass Comm Theory? Ugh. The only thing that interests me less is Brussels sprouts. After all, I want to be a professional, not a researcher, so why would I need theory?” This course is intended to help you understand the usefulness and practicality of mass communication theory, whether your goal is to be a successful researcher at a Research I university or to be a top-notch practitioner in any mass communication field. Doing great work means understanding not only how to produce mass media content but also WHY it matters what approaches you take to your work. That’s the role of theory. This course is designed to give you an overview of some important theories related to mass communication in the United States and world. The primary purpose is to help you to think about why media operate the way they do and what impacts exposure to media have on audience members and society as a whole. We will also discuss how these theories advance the scholarly study of communication.
    [Show full text]
  • City Research Online
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by City Research Online City Research Online City, University of London Institutional Repository Citation: Singer, J. (2016). Transmission Creep: Media Effects Theories and Journalism Studies in a Digital Era. Journalism Studies, doi: 10.1080/1461670X.2016.1186498 This is the accepted version of the paper. This version of the publication may differ from the final published version. Permanent repository link: http://openaccess.city.ac.uk/14728/ Link to published version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1461670X.2016.1186498 Copyright and reuse: City Research Online aims to make research outputs of City, University of London available to a wider audience. Copyright and Moral Rights remain with the author(s) and/or copyright holders. URLs from City Research Online may be freely distributed and linked to. City Research Online: http://openaccess.city.ac.uk/ [email protected] Copyright information The final and definitive version of this manuscript has been accepted for publication in: Journalism Studies © 2016; all rights reserved, Routledge / Taylor & Francis. DOI: 10.1080/1461670X.2016.1186498 Please cite as: Singer, J. B. (forthcoming). Transmission Creep: Media Effects Theories and Journalism Studies in a Digital Era. Journalism Studies. Transmission Creep: Media Effects Theories and Journalism Studies in a Digital Era Jane B. Singer City University London Abstract: The nature of digital media challenges the explanatory power of effects theories that rest on a transmission model of communication. As essentially linear conceptualizations reliant on identification and measurement of discrete message components, these 20th century theories are poorly suited to contemporary journalistic structures and forms.
    [Show full text]
  • New Media in Old Media
    New Media in Old Media: The Nigerian Case. By Adegbilero-Iwari, Idowu and Ikenwe, I. Joy Introduction The internet has maintained a rising weight of impact on the global community internet and its component technologies have reshaped or rather continue to reshape our civilization The internet is described as the second division of the mass media by Mittal and Mittal (2013) The internet is the prototypical new medium (Siaspera, 2012) Introduction cont’d. Social media is the major beneficiary of the renascent interactive Web dubbed Web 2.0 Social media technology now occupy a germane position in the new media revolution With the advent of social media the mass media ecosystem have changed drastically Many people now prefer digital news than its usual traditional form as newspaper publication or radio/ television broadcast Introduction cont’d. Yet, the new media invasion have not captured all In fact, Americans over 50 are still somewhat less likely to consume news digitally as those under 50 (Sasseen, Olmstead and Mitchell, 2013) And the figure if available will be higher for that age bracket in Nigeria In fact, it is expected that most news consumer in Nigeria still largely depend on the old media But in Nigeria there seem to be a symbiotic relationship between the new media and the old This study, thus, aims to see the presence or availability of new media in old media, the latter having not left us Objective To report the use of or rather the availability of new media technologies such as the internet and especially social
    [Show full text]
  • The Natural Life Cycle of New Media Evolution
    ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ new media & society Copyright © 2004 SAGE Publications London, Thousand Oaks, CA and New Delhi Vol6(6):707–730 [DOI: 10.1177/146144804042524] ARTICLE The natural life cycle of new media evolution ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Inter-media struggle for survival in the internet age ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ SAM LEHMAN-WILZIG NAVA COHEN-AVIGDOR Bar-Ilan University, Israel ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Abstract This article analyzes the evolution of the internet, with special emphasis on its impact on older media in their struggle to survive. The analysis is based on a 6-stage, natural life cycle model of new media evolution, comprising birth (technical invention), penetration, growth,
    [Show full text]
  • Impact of Convergence and Divergence on Digital Media By
    Clash of the Titans: Impact of Convergence and Divergence on Digital Media by William Chee-Leong Lee Bachelor of Science, Computer Engineering and Computer Science Carnegie Mellon University, 1994 Submitted to the Alfred P. Sloan School of Management in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the Management of Technology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology June 2003 © 2003 William Chee-Leong Lee. All rights reserved. The author hereby grants to MIT permission to reproduce and to distribute publicly paper and electronic copies of this thesis document in whole or in part. Signature of Author………………………………………………………………………..... MIT Sloan School of Management May 9, 2003 Certified by…………………………………………………………………………………. Henry Birdseye Weil, Thesis Advisor Senior Lecturer, MIT Sloan School of Management Certified by…………………………………………………………………………………. Walter Bender, Thesis Reader Director, MIT Media Lab Accepted by……………………………………………………………………………….... David A. Weber Director, Management of Technology Program Clash of the Titans: Impact of Convergence and Divergence on Digital Media By William Chee-Leong Lee Submitted to the Alfred P. Sloan School of Management on May 9, 2003 in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the Management of Technology ABSTRACT In last decade, the world was bewildered by the dazzling array of choices and offerings of digital technology. While digital convergence has created new possibilities in digital media, it has also created great uncertainty, fragmentation and threats to traditional media. This blossoming of innovations, as I will examine in this thesis, originates not only from the conversion of analog media into the digital domain, but more from a convergence of industries which results in a clash of technologies and cultures.
    [Show full text]