I'd like to think I'm modern. Hence my pseudo moniker, "the 'modish' pragmatist." Yet, with technology constantly changing, I'm not so sure I'm as modern as I need to be.
Technology is changing at an ever-rapid pace. It seems like every month there's a new electronic device to learn, a new game to beat, and a new app to download. For those who are more 'traditional' or have not yet joined the digital revolution, it all seems overwhelming; maybe even a bit scary.
And with many news outlets choosing to go the digital and/or online route these days, the question of "Is traditional media dying?," remains something to be considered.
In the early part of the 20th Century (before the late 1990s), many communities looked to traditional newspaper and radio as accurate and credible sources of information. Journalists took pride in disseminating content that was timely, reliable, well-sourced, and factual. The "gatekeeper" of the newsroom, or the editor(s), ensured content was properly scrutinized for inaccuracies, bias, completeness, and credibility, among others. I'm sure many consumers were proud to receive their morning papers, or watch the evening news, knowing information wouldn't be opinionated or compromised.
With more and more large newspaper companies such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, the Boston Globe, and Huffington Post (now HuffPost) gearing more toward online subscriptions, many critics believe smaller newspapers across the country will close their doors for good. I, however, disagree. I believe the newspaper industry will continue to thrive, as long as it evolves and remains innovative.
What do I mean?
There needs to be new forms of reporting in order for these news organizations to exist for the next 10 to 15 years. I believe it's advantageous that news outlets are becoming more digital-friendly and hiring more seasoned journalists to spearhead and manage them. Furthermore, as companies become digitized, this can encourage company growth, incur more revenue and expand viewership across demographic and geographical lines. Of course with this "expansion" there will be a sense of connectedness; two-way communication between the consumer and company improves, resulting in the improvement of consumer services.
Even though Generation Y'ers (born after 1985) and Millennials choose to get all of their news, social cues, entertainment and fashion advice from the internet and social media, I believe there is still a strong audience that depends on traditional media (i.e., television, radio, and newspapers) for its news, and deems it more reputable.
According to recent research from the Pew Research Center, nine out of 10 households watched local television in 2013. This means television is still very much a part of our society. Since its onset, television has been an important staple in American culture. Oxygen Media's Chairman of Entertainment and Digital Networks and Integrated Media, Lauren Zalaznick said it best when she stated, "television has shaped a generations' consciousness." Television shows such as Dynasty, Sanford & Son, M.A.S.H and All in the Family for Instance, helped to influence Americans' stance on such issues as race relations and riots, the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement and Women Rights.
Where television was once the mecca of all things media, now it seems the internet has snatched the coveted title.
I remember when Facebook was a site dedicated to helping folks find childhood friends or high school classmates. In just 12 short years, Facebook has exploded into the premiere Social networking site where users can not only connect with close friends, but also with celebrities. Facebook now offers ways for users to upload pictures, write semi-blog through wall posts, browse news feeds (traditional and entertainment), and connect with businesses and other media sites. Who knew that a simple site, would grow into the media mogul it is today? Businesses and media outlets have caught on, creating webpages, apps and video links to their own social media sites on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.
I get that advertisers are catering more toward Millennials and Generation Y'ers, as they are the ones shopping online, ordering food through their cellphones, and even purchasing movie tickets online.
Now, please don't get me wrong: I am not negating the importance of media conglomerates using the internet and android devices as means to satisfy their target audiences. All I'm saying is that companies should not neglect the importance of traditional media --such as newspapers, television, and radio. Traditional media is the foundation of our country, marking back to a time of self-exploration, innovation and expansion.
Who knows what the next millennium will bring in regards to technology? We've already experienced unbelievable and unimaginable advances.
I just don't want us to become robots or droids.
What are your thoughts?
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