Convergence has emerged as one of the most effective means of transmitting communication. Currently, information is transmitted in a digital form meaning that the computer readable messages can be viewed digitally, as texts or via video forms ( Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, 2018 ). This kind of convergence has been very effective in my life since I no longer have to view separate channels because they are currently available via a single medium.
Also, convergence has managed to impact my life in a positive manner since, it is now easier for me to access information. Unlike initially when I had to rely on one medium currently such information sources can be viewed together owing to convergence. Further still, this has appeared as a cost-effective mechanism and also fully informative source ( Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, 2018 ). People no longer have to spend more by having to rely on a many sources to view different content.
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Besides the affordability of Television time that has been brought about by convergence, it has also become possible for people to contribute their own content and have it viewed ( Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, 2018 ). Besides, this has also contributed to interactivity. This means that more than two individuals can now be involved in communication with each other. Further still, it is now easier for people to access all the information that they need via one interface.
Which culture should receive the most credit for the invention of printing? Explain.
The Asian culture should receive the most credit for the invention of printing. Currently, the oldest script in the modern world is from China ( Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, 2018 ). It is believed that the Chinese worked upon their own intuition to establish printing blocks ( Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, 2018 ). This partly involved cutting wood pieces, inking them and pressing them on books to produce printed versions of books.
The Chinese began by developing brushes and inks in 105 CE ( Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, 2018 ). The ink was formulated from soot, whereas brushes were made out of wood. When printing using pieces of wood was realized, it was passed on to the Koreans and Japanese and later on to Arabs who then transmitted the same idea to the West. Also by the beginning of 1051, Chinese had already come up with clay and metal devices combined with wooden press to be used in the printing of books ( Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, 2018 ).
It has often been stated that Johannes Gutenberg is as the initiator of printing. This is based on the Gutenberg Bible published in 1455 ( Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, 2018 ). It is, nevertheless, necessary to note that what he did was to revolutionize print media into an advanced form of streamlined press. Also, he gave rise to a new era of affordable texts which were up to a fifth lest costlier than handwritten manuals.
What is the proper role of a free press in a democratic society?
The role of a free press is to inform the society on the major events occurring within the community on a regular basis. The realization of a free press is effective in maintaining good relations between the public and the authorities ( Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, 2018 ). For instance, people in society get to know how the funds they have contributed in form of taxes are being used by the government.
Also, a free press is responsible for assisting individuals to make knowledgeable and informative decisions on the courses of action to take in any given scenario ( Biocca, 2002 ). This kind of press is also responsible for pushing people to behave accordingly. Sometimes the press is responsible for misusing their freedom by have some political bias against certain political orientations while favoring others.
A free press should have the freedom to express themselves without any fear of intimidation. After the civil war had ended, it became possible for the press to establish controversial headlines. At that time a democratic society was being realized ( Biocca, 2002 ). The establishment of laws and policies have over time limited the freedom of the press to manageable levels. The end of cases of arrests being carried out on the press as a result of critiquing an abominable act or mismanagement of funds by government agencies is an indication that the idea of a free press has come into realization.
References
Biocca, F. (2002). The evolution of interactive media. Narrative impact. Social and cognitive foundations , 97-130.
Straubhaar, J. D., LaRose, R., & Davenport, L. (2018). Media now: Understanding media, culture, and technology . 10 th Edition