Digital Media Convergence

No development has had a greater impact on media as technology. Digital technology is particularly shaping how media outlets operate. In fact, in an effort to survive, nearly all media organizations have embraced technology (Van Loon, 2007). These organizations understand that the refusal to adopt technology sets the stage for collapse. In addition to technology, the operations of media outlets are subject to such social forces as regulations and the economic conditions in the country where the media organizations conduct their affairs. To ensure success, media outlets must align their policies, strategies and operations with these forces.

Question 1 

In most countries, the governments have developed regulations that govern the operations of media outlets. The regulation usually has the effect of ensuring discipline and order in the development of media content, the media industry and media consumption. For example, many governments require media outlets to refrain from broadcasting adult content at certain hours (McLelland, 2015). Such regulations as this are intended to protect minors and the moral fabric of a society. There are other regulations which require media outlets to ensure that the information they broadcast is accurate and credible (Turow, 2016). The purpose of this regulation is to insulate the public against false and misleading information. In many countries, the regulation of the media is condemned and interpreted as attempts to stifle the freedom of speech. However, in many developed nations, regulatory policies seek to promote the growth of the media industry. For example, the regulatory policies enforced in the US ensure plurality and independence of the media industry. Unless they engage in such unlawful practices as spreading slanderous information, media organizations in the US are assured of complete freedom and independence.

The discussion above has sought to make the case that regulatory forces help to facilitate the development of the media industry and content. However, as numerous cases in different countries illustrate, regulation usually has the effect of discouraging the development of content and eroding the progress made in the media industry. For instance, there are some governments that are known to crack down on media outlets and journalists who are critical of their policies. For example, following the failed coup in 2016, the Turkish authorities have been involved in a crackdown on journalists, members of the civil society, academics and media organizations (Becatoros, 2017). Recently, the Kenyan government shut down a number of television stations that defied a directive not to broadcast the inauguration of the country’s opposition leader (Nyabola, 2018). The examples of Kenya and Turkey show that regulatory forces can be used to stifle free expression and to discourage the development of credible media content.

Economic forces also shape the operations of media organizations. These organizations operate in a similar fashion to other firms; they need financial resources to fund their operations. The lack of sufficient resources impedes the performance of the organizations. In the US, many news publishing organizations have been forced to cease operations due to tough economic realities (Lieberman, n.d). Unable to cope with the challenges in the modern economic environment, these organizations have had to stop media content development thereby denying their audiences the opportunities to consume the media. Positive economic performance enhances the operations of media outlets (McChesney, 2008). During periods of strong economic growth, media organizations join other firms in recording impressive performance in development of content. Overall, a strong economy facilitates the growth of the media industry while poor economic conditions discourage development.

Question 2 

In previous years, different forms of media were distributed through different channels. For example, people turned to their radios and newspapers for news. They used their television sets for entertainment and went to theaters to watch movies. This has changed thanks to the convergence of culture. Essentially, the convergence of culture involves the development of technologies that allow for the consumption of different media through a single channel or device (Newman & Levine, 2012). For example, smartphones have revolutionized how audiences consume media today. Gone are the days when audiences needed television sets and radios if they were to receive different kinds of media. Smartphones allow their users to consume a wide range of media. For example, using a smartphone, one is able to rely on a video streaming website for their entertainment while using an audio streaming service for radio content. This example shows the significant role that technology is playing in shaping the convergence of culture. Basically, technology is creating devices with multiple functions which offer platforms for the consumption of different kinds of media. It is vital to note that while technology influences the convergence of media, the latter also shapes the former. For instance, as a result of the convergence of media, some technologies have been rendered obsolete. Cassette tapes are among the technologies that have witnessed a significant decline in use and will become obsolete. Basically, technologies that are unable to keep up with changes in the convergence of media risk being condemned to irrelevance.

To understand the role that technology plays in defining convergence of culture, it is necessary to examine the nature of technology. Is it self-determining or is it a social construct? One needs to establish if technology is the result of deliberate human action or technology shapes human action. The social construction of technology (SCOT) theory sheds light on how technology develops and its relationship to social structures. This theory holds that social circumstances define how technology develops (Klein & Kleinman, 2002). Another aspect of this theory is that social structures give meaning to technology. The SCOT theory also recognizes that the development of technology does not occur in a vacuum (Klein & Kleinman, 2002). Instead, it takes place in environments that are subject to the actions of social forces. This theory basically confirms that instead of being self-determining, technology is a social construct. It is the product of human intervention. Instead of shaping human action, technology is shaped by human action. To understand why technology is a social construct, it is helpful to consider an example. Such technologies as Facebook are the result of human actions. This social media platform was developed by a team of humans who wished to attend to the needs of different social groups. The example of Facebook makes it clear that technology is indeed a social construct.

In conclusion, media outlets are still undergoing transformation. More and more of these outlets are embracing technology in a bid to remain relevant and alive. The outlets that have either refused or been slow in their adoption of technology are suffering. In addition to technology, regulatory forces and economic conditions are also shaping the operations of media organizations. Positive economic outlook and fair regulatory practices encourage the development of these organizations. To facilitate the development of the media industry and rich media content, there is need for governments to refrain from excessive regulation and investing in the economy.

References

Becatoros, E. (2017). Media Crackdown Silencing Criticism of Turkish Government. Retrieved March 15, 2018 from https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/world/2017/07/12/media-crackdown-silencing-criticism-turkish-government/phNnEfSTy8hnGOhsaOb43L/story.html 

Klein, H. K., & Kleinman, D. L. (2002). The Social Construction of Technology: Structural Considerations. Science, Technology & Human Values, 27 (1), 28-52.

Lieberman, D. (n.d). Newspaper Closings Raise Fears about Industry. Retrieved March 15, 2018 from http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/analysis-myth-spin-pennsylvanias-special-election-midterm/story?id=53754659 

McChesney, R. W. (2008). The Political Economy of Media: Enduring Issues, Emerging Dilemmas. New York City: NYU Press.

McLelland, M. (2015). Sex, Censorship and Media Regulation in Japan: A Historical Perspective. Retrieved March 15, 2018 from http://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2719&context=lhapapers 

Newman, M. Z., & Levine, E. (2012). Legitimating Television: Media Convergence and Cultural Studies. London: Routledge.

Nyabola, N. (2018). Putting Kenya’s Media Shutdown in Context. Retrieved March 15, 2018 From https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/putting-kenya-media-shutdown-context-180202092850790.html 

Turow, J. (2016). Media Today: Mass Communication in a Converging World. Milton Park: Taylor & Francis.

Van Loon, J. (2007). Media Technology: Critical Perspectives. London: McGraw Hill Education (UK).