This week, just like last, you will read an article, post a 300 word summary and reply to two other classmates' summaries. Your topic this week is "cross media convergence and synergy" but the information in the article will touch on most of the remaining bullet points in Section B of the exam. After reading the article you should scroll down to last week's assignment and review the topics mentioned in the Section B explanation. You should not wait too late in the week to begin reading this article since it is a little over 4800 words.
Here are two simplified definitions of media convergence and synergy to help you get started on the reading.
Convergence can be separated into at least two categories:
1. Technical convergence – in which technologies are used to pair media products: TVs with gaming consoles, PCs with CDs, Virtual reality kits with gaming consoles etc.
2. Corporate convergence – where companies converge to maintain control over ownership/rights and to maximize royalties.
Media Synergy is the way in which different elements of a media conglomerate work together to promote linked products across different media.
Assignment 1: Read the following article "Media Convergence 101" Please read the entire article. Although it is quite long and much of what you need to know is at the end, the beginning gives vital background information. You will then post a comment to this blog post, of at least 300 words, on what you learned about media convergence and how this information relates to the genre or genres you have focused on this year. Keep in mind that you have to be logged into your google account for comments and replies to save.
Assignment 2: Next you will read two of your classmates comments and post a reply about something you learned from their post or found interesting.
Just in case you wish to look ahead at a sample exam and candidate responses from the most recently released responses, here are the links to do so.
As time passes, media converges increasingly. Different formats lead to new ways of combining media. This can be seen through television series or movies creating mobile games that go alongside that specific media. This convergence is occurring because of the incessant need for consumers to consume more, or to feel more involved. As a result, media is evolving to fit into these desired molds. Large tech companies expect technology and media to be centered around VR in the near future. VR technology is currently being developed to accomplish this, the Oculus Rift being an example. Until we reach a point with technology where VR is readily available, we will continue to use multiple media platforms to remain engaged. Aside from VR, other forms of media have also converged. Physical reading media like newspapers, magazines, and books have all migrated towards digital platforms as they are much simpler to consume. The ultimate goal of media companies is to find new ways to increase consumer use and consumption.
ReplyDeleteMedia companies have participated in this idea of convergence by purchasing other companies and innovating with new ideas. Disney purchased Pixar and introduced Pixar's animation style to the Disney family, thus increasing their reach. This is an example of a merger, where one company or corporation combines with another one. Several years after the beginning of the internet era, media companies began to buy internet websites and companies. Disney purchased ABC, Viacom merged with Paramount, and American Online merged with Time Warner. Online social media also evolved and merged as seen with Google purchasing YouTube and controlling many other platforms of social media. Facebook also owns two other major platforms of social media, WhatsApp and Instagram. Companies are forced to change alongside media and technology in order to remain relevant with consumers, otherwise they risk losing relevancy in an evolving world.
I appreciated your explanation of a merger between Disney and Pixar. I thought it was also helpful in the way you contrasted the merger with Pixar and that with other websites and companies, such as ABC. Disney and Pixar are generally in the same genre, but the expansion to ABC is more surprising. This contributes to the understanding that certain companies are growing so rapidly that it might bring up more concerns.
DeleteI liked how you mentioned the need for companies to keep up with the new media platforms in order to stay relevent with consumers. I think of the magazine National Geographic, which first started off an an appeal to photographers and people who were curious about the world. Nowadays magazines are a less popular media and National Geographic has tried to keep up by digitizing all of their issues and by producing TV shows NatGeo Wild and nature documentaries.
DeleteI liked how you to talked about how media companies merge and how their reasoning for merging is to keep relevant to there consumers needs.
DeleteI found the connection between VR technology and media convergence to be very interesting, it was a good point to be made regarding how you connected video games and television shows to their potential evolution towards VR technology, which was all supported by the conclusion that this change is bound to occur due to the consumer necessity of more and more advancements.
DeleteThrough the convergence of media, marketing teams are able to further sell and monetize off their brand. In the 21st century alone, we as a society have progressed from Blackberry telephones and Dell computers to iPads and Apple Watches. Society is constantly taking in information through radio, news outlets, and social media. Producers and consumers have fell into an ongoing cycle of buying, selling, producing, and so on and so forth.
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, this has allowed for a world unimaginable to society even just thirty years ago. Along with a Disney movie comes a Disney video game, a Disney online dress up game, a Disney mini-series. Consumers have access to wide-spread media and entertainment at the touch of a button. Print has become outdated; by the time one newspaper article has been written, ten Buzzfeed articles and one quiz on the subject has already been put out for the world. With that, physical media like magazines and books have lessened in quantity and quality, as everything has become digitalized.
Using the example of the New York Times from the article, widespread and popular outlets like the New York Times have taken advantage of this growing desire to intake media through a screen by profiting off of such. When clicking on an news story, the reader is granted one free article. After this, the reader is given just enough of a story to be interested, before being hit with a “subscribe for more!” This isn’t the only news source to do this, and what was once .50 cents outside the grocery store has become $9.99 a month.
In all, I would say media convergence has drastically altered the intake of media in the last three decades, making for a much more digitalized world.
I thought it was really interesting that you brought up the popular news source, New York Times, as an example for how valuable journalistic information is expanding to other mediums.
Deletelove the comparison of the prices for new sources.
DeleteI like how you mentioned that the world today is one unimaginable to someone thirty years ago, made me think a little more about today's society.
DeleteThis article, titled “Media convergence 101: The total immersion of consumer into content”, by Christy Roland explores the increasing role of different media and their interactions. The basis of original media convergence is computing, communication and content. Now the influence of consumption is expanding in the industry. As entertainment services continue to grow, new regulations are necessary to respond to media convergence. Since traditional interpretations, the scope of companies is expanding to all sectors of the industry, leading to concerns over companies holding too much concentrations of power. Terry Flew, a professional in media convergence, determines 5 main elements perpetuating media convergence: technological, industry, social, textual and contextual, and political. Through the combination of rising web services, purchasing of other companies, spread of social media, distribution of merchandise, and regulatory agencies, the concept has grown. News mediums have especially grown into other outlets to improve outreach and made partnerships to spread information easier. The transformation of digital to analog services is a leading factor in media convergence, as well. Services such as Netflix and Hulu are tactically making themselves as entertainment providers and are getting very powerful. The gaming industry has been affected by creating faster networks and consoles. Cell service providers are expanding to other sources of profit to reach a wider audience and serve more purposes. Multi-level convergent media helps shape standards of communication and information access and engages a bigger number of consumers. Digitization, corporate concentration, and government deregulation set the foundation for media convergence to thrive in. As we progress towards the future, issues of monopolies, security, affordability, and resistance are expected to come up. However, contributions to Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and regulatory agencies are likely to address these problems. A distinct component to media convergence is its direct appeal to satisfying consumers based on their individual needs. A concern that is already being addressed to some level is “media overload” in which individuals are pressured too heavily to involve themselves in all forms of media coverage. It is clear that media convergence will continue to rapidly change and develop, and it is our hope that this will engage more people in online discussions and activities by spreading content across all available mediums.
ReplyDeleteI like how you mentioned that Netflix and Hulu are making themselves entertainment providers and are getting very powerful. When Netflix first became a streaming site they used to only charge 8.99 a month. Just recently Netflix raised their price again to 13.99 a month. However, people continue to stay subscribed because they are already hooked on Netflix originals and can't give it up.
DeleteYou did a great job explaining digitization and how companies have to update all of their documents and information to stay relevant with the changing world.
DeleteI liked how you talked how media convergence focus on the needs of its consumers and making sure the media content doesn't put too much pressure on their consumers to put too much of themselves out there.
DeleteYou're mention of the threat of media companies having far too much control is very interesting. Disney does own quite a significant amount of other media companies, including Marvel Entertainment and Fox. This can very frightening as they most likely, will continue to expand. With little knowledge, some common person may not know that Marvel and Fox are owned by the same company.
DeleteI liked how after tying the majority of your comment together, you provided some potential issues such as 'monopolies, security, affordability, and resistance'. This provided limitations and was beneficial to the overall comment as it made sure that all aspects are being mentioned, not only the positive aspects of media convergence.
DeleteIn Media Convergence 101 Christy Roland explains that media convergence is a phenomenon that is increasingly occurring in the 21st century. It happens when distinct media platforms cross into other spheres of media. Roland uses the example of reading a Newspaper, such as the New York Times, on a smartphone or a tablet. Smartphones and tablets where not the original intention of what newspapers would be read on but in the Digital Age media is becoming more accessible and it is imperative that media converges in order to keep up with the competition. Terry Flew, a professor of Communications and Media at Queensland University of Technology commented on this phenomenon and broke it down into five main elements: technology, industry, social media, textual/contextual stories, and politics. He explains that technology is an important aspect because of the increase in devices that allow people to connect to the internet. This includes tablets, phones, watches, and TVs. The creation of new devices has causes media broadcasters to cater to online platforms and also make the experiences more interactive by including polls and quizzes. Industry is a component because corporations can purchase other companies such as when Disney bought ABC or when Verizon bought Aol and Yahoo. The third component is social media, which has become a large presence in people’s lives. Flew explains that YouTube a film student has a platform to share their films and through Facebook people’s discussions on politics can even sway a presidential election. Similarly, the element of textual/contextual stories is important because stories can reach broader audiences. For instance, Doctor Who used to be a TV show that was marketed to the British audience, but the increase in accessibility allowed the show to be enjoyed by many Americans. It has caused people to make fan sites, podcasts, and merchandise based off of the show. Lastly, the political aspect refers to the attempt of regulation on the media convergence. Because the Digital Age moves so quickly and the internet is so open, it is hard for regulation agencies to keep up. Ultimately, media convergence is becoming more profitable to corporations. Technology has lowered the entry barriers for media production. However, producers of old school media, such as newspapers, are forced to adapt to the new wave media. Another negative side effect is the over-saturation of media and the growing dependence that people have towards social media.
ReplyDeleteHi Maddie! I liked how you went over each element in depth, because it helped me better understand how they represented a certain aspect of media convergence.
DeleteI liked how you brought in Doctor Who and how it has globalized because of convergence. International connectedness is a very important effect of convergence and I wonder how else it has been affected as a result of this.
DeleteI liked how you explained really well about each element because it made a lot more sense while reading it!
DeleteThe article Media Convergence 101: The total immersion of consumer into content, explains what media convergence is and how it is becoming more widespread, especially in the past ten to fifteen years. Media convergence is when previously distinct media platforms merge to form a new kind of way to experience something, such as reading the newspaper on a tablet. In the past media convergence was discussed in terms of the three C's: Computing, communication, and content, but now those phrases can only tackle so much of what is happening with media convergence in the 21st century. Now many use five elements to explain how media convergence is changing how we experience the world. These five elements are technology, industry, social media, textual/co-textual stories, and politics. With the internet constantly expanding, especially through the introduction of smart phones, people tend to now read the news and watch television shows through the internet. This forces companies to find new outlets to reach their audiences, such as how Disney is now making its own streaming service. Many people love their movies and television programs,but these people are also choosing to go to streaming services such as Netflix instead of having cable or going to the movies because of convenience. Disney sees this as a way of making money by media convergence, and placing their content online. Disney also has in the past made similar moves to reach a new audience, such as their acquisition of Marvel Studios. This form of media convergence allowed Disney to find an audience that was older than those they usually targeted, while also gaining access to video games and other markets to solidify their connection with audiences. Media convergence is still growing with technology improving everyday and becoming more available to the average person. For major companies to catch up with the competition they must take advantage of media convergence to sustain their needs.
ReplyDeleteI really love how fluent your comment was for me to read. Ifelt like if you explain to me about this topic before i read the article i would still be able to understand about media convergence and synergy
DeleteThe development of technology is really the only way for media companies to combat the Internet Era. Without new technologies being developed to continue increasing audience consumption and interest, media companies would quickly die off. A good phrase for this would be "If you can't beat them, join them."
DeleteI like how you identified the transition from the "three C's" to the "five elements". This transition represents the idea that the old idea of media convergence is changing as technology advances in new ways.
Delete"Media convergence 101: The total immersion of consumer into content”, an article written by Christy Roland, talks about the interaction and roles of different media. Original media convergence consists of these four basics: consumption, computing, communication, and content. As society changes so do the media, In result increasing media coverage to be view easily from the consumers. For example, The Marvel Incorporation: As the brand first started out selling comic books or comic pages in the newspaper it has quickly evolved into video games, tv/streamings series, and blockbusters movies. This is due to the fact that the 21st century is the era of digitalization meaning everything is online. Also in the article, I have read about Terry Flew, a professor of Communications and Media at the Queensland University of Technology who has broken down the increase of media coverage into five main elements: technology, industry, social media, textual/contextual stories, and politics. Flew explains that technology is what has started the whole thing because of the increase in devices like cellphones, tablets,television, game consoles, and computers that allow people to connect to the internet. Then he follows the claim after with the mentioning of the industries that merges with other industries to changed media landscapes in big ways, like how Disney merges with ABC and Direct TV merged with AT&T to reach out to more consumers. After industries are social media which can be used to share and promote any media coverages. Following is textual and contextual stories which can now be told and shared across different platforms for audiences worldwide and to reach new ones. For Example, Anime is Japanese cartoons that have become popular in America, Canada, Spanish-speaking countries, and multiple European nations. Anime has virtually become successful worldwide due to it generated a big fanbase creating reddit forums, podcast and fan pages on the internet to be shared with anyone. Finally, there is a political aspect to media convergence. As Flews has said it "In the analog era, newspapers, TV, radio, and other media were regulated by separate groups and laws. Now, cross-platform media is growing and changing dramatically." In conclusion, As technology improves every single day and becoming virtually available to anyone, major companies must take advantage of media convergence to sustain their needs in order to compete with other business rivals (Like Apple and Samsung).
ReplyDeleteYour use of Marvel as an example is interesting, especially considering their recent film and the numerous ways that they have profited. Great job!
DeleteMedia convergence is the merging of a previous media technologies that result digitization and computer integration. For example, reading the New York times on a tablet. Media convergence is also an economic strategy deployed by media companies to create content across different platforms that work together. According to the article above, media convergence is discussed in terms of the three C’s “Computing, Communication, and Content.” Terry Flew, a professor of media and communication and assistant dean, describe media convergences has having for elements: technology, industry, social media, textual and contextual, and a political aspect. The first element, technology, a tool in constant update, allows consumers to have easy access to multiple contents they wouldn’t normally have access to. Industries like Disney merger with others to create a greater platform to spread the influence of their media contents. The third element, social media, uses social sites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for consumers to uses to create and spread their own content, creating an influence on others everywhere. This form of element relates back to my genre I have worked on this year. This is because of my constant use of social sites to get inspiration to create my film and the use of You tube to publish my work for others to see. The textual and contextual element gives consumers the ability to have access to toys, games, and clothes that was influenced by different platforms of media. the last aspect of media convergence, is the political element, which gives the consumers the ability to have access to news sources right at their fingertips. With this aspect consumers can have a quick and easy access to different form of media sources that keeps them updated on current events. With all these elements media is used to adopt to the needs of its audience. With the idea that technology is constantly being innovated, you can say that there will be even more aspects of media convergence that maybe created to meet the entertainment needs of any consumer.
ReplyDeleteThe article by Christy Roland which focuses on media convergence and synergy outlines that there are five different elements of media convergence. The first one is driven by technology under which aspects of media have been converged into devices that we use everyday such as our mobile phones. Through this, certain media practices are made far easier as news priorly seen in mediums such as newspapers is able to be expanded upon through using additional media techniques such as conducting polls. The second element is industry, which primarily regards the economic factors and different institutions purchasing each other in attempts to expand and imperialize. The third is social, being societal interactions with one another through media convergence as shown through social media and interpersonal communication. Next, the fourth is contextual, being that audiences are much easier to target so that media works will flourish in their specific niche. Lastly, the fifth is political under which different news networks are able to communicate news to their viewers with ease, for example, by sending notifications on breaking news to users of their application on smart phones. This all relates to the history of media convergence and how media convergence has been occurring not only recently but ever since the 20th century. However, media convergence is far more advanced and widespread today due to technological advancements that make the process much easier, this is seen as 20th century media convergence is challenged since technology was in its early stages and was possessive of many faults that inhibited its spread and diffusion. Therefore, media convergence is now evolving due to the advanced technology that enables it. This comes with notable limitations, such as the consumers and their expectation of rapid communication between the media and their knowledge of certain occurrences. This calls for a greater strain to be placed on these institutions who are continuously challenged with the increasing need for media communication with their consumers who are high maintenance and require immediate feedback for their satisfaction.
ReplyDeleteI liked that you mentioned the limitations of convergence and related it to higher overall expectations of consumers. This is a factor of convergence that I hadn't considered before, and it obviously adds to the new era of never-pleased consumerism.
DeleteDonte, I enjoyed how you broke down the different lenses and perspectives of the article in relation to media convergence, it really showed the complexity and variation of the topic.
DeleteI liked how you provided the example of the breaking news messages from news sources. This example really broadened my understanding of the relationship between politics and media convergence.
DeleteI like how you included the 5 aspects of media convergence to start the article. This shows the importance and highlights the various media forms to emphasize how it's changing.
DeleteI like how you implemented the five different aspect of media convergence and referenced them throughout your response.
DeleteI appreciated the different aspects of media convergence that you outlined. I also liked the examples you provided which helped clarify your explanations.
DeleteFrom reading this article on media convergence, I learned that the new era of technology has allowed different forms of media to combine, accommodating consumers and improving their accessibility to media. Historically, the main components of media convergence have included computing, communication, and content. However, today, there are believed to be five main elements: technological, industrial, social, textual, and political. Although media convergence is commonly associated with twenty-first century developments, many attempts were made throughout the twentieth century, like analog clocks becoming digital and bringing CNN online. Today, however, media convergence has developed at a much higher rate. This is because of three major factors: digitization, corporate concentration, and government deregulation. Moreover, convergent solutions today have begun to include multiple types of delivery, like single subscriptions for multiple services, video on demand, and services based on location. Through these types of convergence, media companies are allowed to expand and provide more compelling information to their audiences, all the while providing better, more tailored customer service. This dynamic has obviously been of benefit to not only provider companies, but consumers, too. Despite this, there are some setbacks, like technical challenges and troubles with online security. In the future, it is very possible that all forms of media will converge and the Internet will expand immeasurably. Industries must be able to keep up with the expansion of the technological era and find new ways to navigate the new online-based world of media consumption. The genre of drama is one of the oldest, and thus, one that has historically been based in physical theaters, and even further back, in real plays. Thus, the movement of the drama genre has been very quick and drastic as it is now relying heavily on online streaming services like Netflix. Also, like described in the article, convergence has played a large role in the expansion of the genre: there is now a very dynamic experience provided when one watches or engages in a film or other media form related to drama. The genre is very diverse.
ReplyDeleteI like your focus on the historical aspects of media convergence and also how you addressed the setbacks of these new risks. The description of drama evolving with technology and media is also very accurate.
DeleteYour different examples of convergence are interesting and well thought-out! The ways that this may impact both the producer as well as the consumer is interesting.
DeleteAfter reading this extensive article on the relationships of different media platforms and how they have evolved over the years as companies have grown larger in prowess but also as technology has increased in complexity and spread, I realized how far the media industry has grown and how intertwined it really is. The most interesting aspects of media convergence are the possibilities that are to come from this constant evolution of media and its capabilities. Already we are seeing the next step in interactive streaming services, where Netflix created the interactive movie Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, which allows the audience to make decisions that impact the course of the plot and the outcome of the movie overall. This next step in the integration of video games and film can open up an entire new genre and era of next-level audience participation and involvement, just as the article discussed the idea of Game of Thrones being an interactive, hologram venture or the creation of the spin-off The Talking Dead.
ReplyDeleteAudiences are growing more and more involved in the media they consume, especially through the emergence of fandoms throughout many genres, including Marvel superhero movies and even my genre of focus, mystery. The best example that comes to mind are the Sherlockians, who indulge in the original Sherlock Holmes novels, the numerous movies and series of the Sherlock story, including, but not limited to, the Sherlock Holmes movie series with Robert Downey Jr, the BBC show Sherlock, and the tv show Elementary. These mystery media not only air on TV, but also can be streamed on Hulu and Netflix. Fans of the movies and shows meet at conventions and use social media to share in their interests. With the ever-growing possibilities and reach of media convergence, I believe that mystery shows and movies will also begin to be more interactive as they are the perfect medium to allow the audience to play detective and solve the mystery alongside the likes of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson.
I like how you incorporated examples such as Netflix to emphasize the change in media convergence over time. Your examples add more to your response to make the reader better understand what media convergence is.
DeleteI love how you mentioned a specific show and provider. Your comment was also discussed very well and in depth. Good job!
DeleteIn order to keep up with the changing demands of media consumers, institutions use forms of media convergence such as creating new content on multiple or new platforms such as tablets and phones. Industries can gain new product power by considering computation, content, communication, and consumption. One element of media convergence is technological in that new streaming platforms such as smartphones and tablets can be used that also have interactive components such as quizzes. Other elements of media convergence include institutional combinations and social media as a media platform. Smaller, more specific audiences among bigger audiences also benefit from the textual and contextual relationships with media such as through books, toys, and comics.
ReplyDeleteMedia convergence started off slow, but gained momentum as global citizens gained new technologies and experienced tragedies such as 9/11 that created a greater desire for easy news. Faster technologies have led to a “here and now” demand from customers who, in turn, are charged through a variety of different ways from the industry.
The three main factors that have cause media convergence are digitization, corporate concentration, and government deregulation. Such media convergence, however, makes it hard for newcomers in the media world to join and citizens become consumers rather than people. Other downsides include poor digital quality, privacy issues, and the view that media can be a weapon. On the other hand, benefits to media convergence include more tailored products for the consumer, more access to consumers, and an increase in engaged audiences. Audience engagement can even be measured through the data that shows consumer action.
Despite the concerns of those interested in privacy and safety of content, media convergence will continue to flourish as technology and platforms grow. In fact, companies will need to keep up with media convergence in order to keep up with the big name institutions that currently exist as they cater to the people more.
Great job discussing the article. I like how you described the three main factors in depth.
DeleteHey Lily! You did a amazing job discussing the three main factors in great details. I found your interpretation interesting and informative.
DeleteMedia convergence has been a big incorporation in our modern society. Institutions have began to use media convergence within films and different aspects of media. For example, many institutions are using streaming technologies to keep the audience engaged. This tactic is more efficient and cheaper for people to use. Audiences don't have to go to the movie theater and spend about $15 for a movie when they can purchase a streaming channel such as Netflix of Hulu to watch hundreds of shows and movies for a cheaper price.
ReplyDeleteThe article explains that there are 5 main aspects of media convergence. These aspects are driven by technology, social media, industry, politics, and textual. Since media convergence isn't a new subject, it is important to realize that changes to society can spark these new forms of media convergence. Media convergence is not just beginning, it is evolving. Modern technology and newer, more efficient ways of viewing forms of media have changed the media convergence.
I like how you specified all of the main aspects of media convergence and explained each in great detail. Good job Ryan.
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ReplyDeleteSince media convergence is not a new aspect of media, it is clear that changes have taken place as society moves forward. The article uses the example that in the late 1990's, Microsoft created Web TV which ultimately relates to the modern technology that people use to view new shows and movie. The concept of cable TV was emphasized and heavily accepted and used in society. Homes had cable television and used DVR's to record tv shows. As of recently, it has become apparent that many institutions have moved on from cable. More companies have created live streaming services such as Youtube, Sling TV, and Hulu Live. These allow people to watch television based off WiFi and all-streaming services. Even today, more companies such as Xbox and Playstation have offered their own form of these modern services.
Companies use different forms of media convergence to keep up with the changing dynamic of media consumers’ demands. This involves creating new platforms to broaden the audiences’ ability to view media products in multiple ways. Industries can gain new product power by considering computation, content, communication, and consumption. A common element of media conversion would be technological, as platforms such as smartphones and tablets are seen as the optimal streaming platforms in the current market. Media convergence began at a slow rate, but gained momentum as citizens around the world found new technologies and experienced tragedies that created a greater desire for easy news. Faster technologies have led to a “here and now” demand from customers who, in turn, are charged through a variety of different ways from the industry.
ReplyDeleteThe three main factors that serve as the cause for media convergence are digitization, corporate concentration, and government deregulation. Such forms of media convergence makes it difficult for newcomers in the media industry to conform to the demands of society. There are many downsides in addition to this, including quality assurance, privacy issues, and the perspective of weaponizing social media. Benefits of media convergence include the ability to tailor products more to a customer, more access to customers, and increased engagement with audiences.
I liked how you referred to the three main aspects of media convergence and how there are both advantages and disadvantages to media convergence, allowing the reader to make an informed decision regarding their own personal opinion.
DeleteSimilar to what Laura said, I felt it was very effective how you wrote about the three main aspects of media, as well as the pros and cons since this gives a full scale view to the reader and is also very clear.
DeleteTo begin, the definition of Media convergence is the merging of a previous media technologies that result digitization and computer integration. An example of this is reading the news on an iPad or tablet. Secondly, Media convergence is also an economic strategy deployed by media companies to create content across different platforms that work together. According to the article provided, media convergence is written in terms of the four C’s: computation, content, communication, and consumption. Terry Flew describes media convergences has having for elements: technology, industry, social media, textual and contextual, and a political aspect. Flew explained that technology is what sparked the whole beginning of the increase in devices like cellphones, tablets,television, game consoles, and computers that allow people to connect to the internet. Industries like Disney, for example, come together with others to create a larger platform to spread the influence of their media contents. Disney sells merchandise to spread out what people like to see. Institutions have began to use media convergence within films and different aspects of media. Netflix, Hulu, Cable TV, and other uses of showing films increase the spread of media. As technology develops more and more, the media must keep up to date with convergence.
ReplyDeleteLia, I really enjoyed how you emphasized the economic boost that companies get from working together. They are not on,u helping theirselves, but they are helping the person they are working with and I really enjoyed how you explained that
DeleteI really like how you defined media convergence at the beginning of your response. I felt the definition helped open up what you were discussing as well as add clarity.
DeleteMedia convergence has been happening since the past century but in the 21st century more than ever. Media convergence can be in two forms; either as an older version put into a more appealing and modern device or as a completely new addition for more convenience. The main change that has occurred especially is that there is more of a need for more consumption. Many adjustments are made as society changes as well and technological factors now have the most influence because as there are further advancements, aspects of companies and different industries begin to find and form connections, reducing the gap in between all the different areas in industries such as social media now being a major platform for companies to spread word on their products such as Disney showing the cheerful atmosphere to get a bigger audience. The media convergence does not particularly have to deal with technology rather its a shift in cultural, industrial, and social paradigms that encourages people to seek information. Some disadvantages to convergence is that media companies would be criticized for the possibility of monopoly, conflict of interest, and affordable access to devices. An example that has been impacted in their growth is Star wars being that they started off with only as books but grew into video games, figurines and clothing. Media convergence is an economic strategy to create content across different platforms that work together, media is used to used to the needs of its audience. Therefore it causes a greater strain on institutions who are constantly facing challenges with the increased need for media communication with their consumers require high maintenance and feedback.The idea that technology is constantly being innovated, there will be even more aspects of media convergence that may meet the entertainment needs of any consumer as the generations pass.
ReplyDeleteMedia convergence is the merging of various media technologies to integrate with newer systems. Media convergence, though necessary, offers many challenges. In current times, technology is constantly changing and evolving, and as technology updates, so must the media with which it interacts. In order to stay up-to-date and present with the times, many companies choose to integrate old technologies with new technologies. For example, many large companies have chosen to invest in streaming technologies. In the past, most movie fans saw their favorite flicks in theaters and were confined to screen times and dates and had to pay tickets for every show. However, with the development of new technologies, audiences have demanded instant access to films and shows, and streaming services such as a Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video all allow audiences to stay up-to-date with their favorite movies and shows at any time of the day from anywhere.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, it is important to recognize the different aspects of media convergence. According to the article, there are five aspects of media convergence that must be considered: technology, social, contextual, industrial, and political. Each of these aspects offers a different perspective on media convergence. Technology refers to the way media has been integrated with personal devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Social refers to social media and other interpersonal communications which may expand the reach of the product. The contextual aspect of media convergence refers to the way certain media can flourish if targeted at a specific niche rather than a broad audience. The industry aspect of media convergence refers to the economics of media convergence, including the way different industries react and how the prices are handled. Finally, the political aspect refers to how politically-related media is spread, such as the use of an app for news sources or notifications for new story outbreaks. As the world is constantly changing, so must the media industry, and that is seen through media convergence.
Laura, you and I saw several of the same important aspects and I found interesting how you related new technologies like netflix also. Great job Laura!
DeleteIn this article spoke heavily on media convergence. Media convergence has two definitions outlined in the article as merging of two forms of technologies such as an Apple Watch. Or classified as a marking or economic strategy, like Netflix which allows viewers to view on different platforms. I found it interesting that the author split media convergence into categories because it allowed me, as a reader to better understand the concepts at large. The article outlines five interesting elements. The first element is technological, which means accessing media content on smartphones, laptops, and tablets. Like watching YouTube videos on a smartTV. The second element is “driven by industry” this is significant because some of the most recognizable entertainment industries have got through mergers. Some examples of the is Disney merging with several companies like Pixar, and 20th Century Fox as recently. And providers like ATT buying companies like DirecTV. Next they talked about the Social Media aspects, which is like the Facebook and Instagram aspects which plays a large part on how news and media is distributed, some might say social media has caused the rise of “fake news” or falsified information. The final component is the political aspects now that cross platform the article gives an examples Apple being the leader of music distribution. Then the article touches on the aspects of analog data to digital era which shows that media is fast changing. In the current media landscapes there are digitalization is the speed and delivery of the content. Corporate concentration which show a show when fewer companies have more channels. Government deregulation is integral when media and government do not overlap too much. This paragraph touches only a small part of media companies in regards to convergence rather than the article that goes deeply into the several aspects of media convergence.
ReplyDeleteSoph I really enjoyed how you talked about the two main types of media coverage, the two definitions. Your descriptions of the
DeleteSorry, your descriptions of the components fell into those two definitions very nicely. Good job!
DeleteThe article I read this week was about media convergence. There are two main types of media convergence. The first is technical convergence which is when technologies are paired with media products, and the second is corporate convergence, which is where companies cover to maintain control over ownerships, and rights to maximize royalties. There are components to media convergence. The first is technology. Since social media and the use of the internet has taken over society, the various devices we use to connect with are the first thing that comes to people's minds when they think about media convergence This inc,uses tablets, computers smartphones, and even reading the newspaper, if you read it from your device of course. And, in fact, newspaper companies selling their articles to online websites is one of the most popular forms of media coverage. The second component to media convergence is driven by industry, and when big companies purchase smaller companies, such as Disney's purchase of ABC Family which not only helped Disney, but helped ABC Family as well. The third and most well known component is social media. At first, websites like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube were meant for sharing with a small select group of people. Now today, graduate film students are sharing their films all over the world, and Famous youtubers have millions of subscribers. The fourth component is continual and textual. Stories can now be told and shared among many different platforms for specific audiences. This is shown at Disney world, universal studios and much more when characters from movies come to life in a costume, or are now the main character of a book. Finally, the last component is the political aspect to media coverage. Many different newspapers, websites, and even TV shows target different groups and laws, and In Fact, apple is the global leader in distributing music. These five different components are all the things that make up the media convergence we know today
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the article “Media Convergence 101” I learned a lot of new information, like how because of todays technology, there is many new different forms of media that allow for consumers easy access to media. In the past only content, communication, and computing were the main elements of media conversion, but today there are about five main elements. These elements include technological, industrial, social, textual, and political. Media convergence is thought more popular today during the twenty first century, however that being said, many things where tried to be done in the twentieth century. For example, early radio shows partnered with newspapers to have the local news read over the airwaves. Today, media convergence is developing with fast rates. This can be due to three big factors which are digitization, corporate concentration, and government deregulation. Due to these things and things like using the internet for voice and video telephony, video on demand, mobile-to-mobile convergence, location-based services, and fixed-mobile convergence, media companies can expand and deliver better information and services to the audiences. This is a win-win situation for both the providers and consumers. However, like anything, there are some cons or challenges. Media conversion might be moving way to fast and many companies may not be able to keep up. If not, there will need to be new and improved ways to get through and be okay in the long run. I think media conversion relates to my genre of romance because people need romance movies or shows to make them feel emotions they may or may not want to feel. Media conversion helps that heartbroken girl watch The Notebook on the bus on the way home from school, or that young couple who can watch 16 Candles on the beach as they lay under the stars at night.
ReplyDeleteGreat job at going into detail with your response. I like how you used real films as examples for media conversion.
Delete“Media convergence 101: The total immersion of consumer into content” by Chrissy Roland starts of discussing Terry Flews take on the five key elements of media convergence, and the way these elements tie into the rest of the articles discussion. Terry states the five key elements to media convergence to be: technological, industry, social media, textual/contextual, and politics. Technology ties into media convergence through people being able to access content from all different devices that make media access entirely mobile. Industry ties into convergence through companies buying and merging resulting in marketing advantages and superior product placement. Social elements tie into media convergence through individuals being able to rapidly and easily spread either their own material or media related elements on a global scale at a rapid rate. Textual and contextual aspects of media convergence are present through movies melding into products, clothes, and other items sold to the market that are all interconnected and related. Politics also meld with media convergence through companies such as apple and google placing restrictions on content through age, and many other political disputes affecting America and the globe today.
ReplyDeleteAfter terry flews discussion of the five key elements of media convergence, Roland connects the article back to the history of media convergence. Roland mentions many of the failures and successes of media convergence, and references HBO as one example of a pioneer in digital convergence in 2010 when HBO-GO was released. In a continuing portion of the article, Roland discusses the product of three factors melding into media convergence. These three factors included digitization, corporate concentration, and government regulation. After discussing these three aspects, Roland branches off to elaborate upon the downslides and challenges, and well as benefits through utilizing media convergence in the world today.
Nice job explaining and going into detail! I liked how you used many examples and focused a lot on technology.
Delete
ReplyDeleteUseful post! Thanks for sharing
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