The New Media: Emerging Trends

The past 25 years have seen the most defining moments in the history of journalism. There radical changes and transformations have forced the industry to adapt to the modern trends in news-making. Hence, many people, even those who are not journalists, have changed their understanding of traditional journalism as a profession. This is mostly because digital media has created new opportunities. The internet has created a new approach to information dissemination, referred to as the “new media.” When then the internet started, many thought it was going to take out the traditional media methods; the same way video did for print. But this has not happened. And even though the internet is an excellent source for news, there are still many who rely on tradition.

But online journalism, even with its many opportunities, still faces several challenges. This text aims to discuss these issues and offer a theoretical approach to the changing trends. In other words, what are some of the specific forms of internet-delivered journalistic productions? What are the professional and production requirements places on those involved in online news-making? What are the current trends and tendencies in digital communication?

Traditional journalism and online journalism

At the dawn of the internet error, many thought that perhaps the internet would take over conventional news channels. It came with so much strength, offering a better and easier approach to news access. However, today, it is generally agreed that there is a certain coexistence between the old press and digital journalism. Skepticism from many writers has been the benchmark of this period placing great significance on the digital media and pessimist vision of the print media. 

Many have been of the view that the emergence of the so-called ‘digital turn’ would reduce the leadership of the newspaper print, with some suggesting it could even lead to total extinction. Even though it may seem so and all evidence indicate a possible, publishers have been forced to make different decisions to ensure the leadership positions. And even better, the current standing of things, the state of things may not change any time soon. In fact, chances are print media should continue expecting a decrease in sales. 

But then, the world is technology is one with so many opportunities. It is amazing, however, how some newspaper companies in the US and some Asia and North African countries have seen a major increase in sales. Despite this, there is evidence that online journalism will continue making a bigger step in the industry. And there is no doubt the journalistic approaches in the sphere of social media and digital applications with grow further.

As you may already know, social media networks and similar areas have captured the attention of most of the modern population. Online journalism has penetrated and occupied these spaces, hence creating a big mark within the developments of many news dimensions. And citizen journalism is the best proof of these methods. According to many, the century will be led by a period of domination from large news organizations, because of increased profit-focused corporations. And many journalists seem to have taken the online world very seriously. With technology, there are new and better ways of disseminating journalistic information.

During the 1990s, there was an evident war between the traditional media and online journalists. There was an evident distrust of the internet because it seemed online news was taking over everything. However, these issues seem to have vanished over the period, creating a more cohesive relationship. This is why today, the print media is using online channels to reach the younger generation. 

Trends in Modern Journalism 

The traditional media is very aware that it cannot ignore the changing trends in information dissemination. The world is changing, technologies are taking over, and there is nothing anyone can do about it. Realizing this, traditional media has bowed to the trends in digital communication. It is all about adaption to new technologies and embracing change; hence conventional ways production content is attempting to tap into the many online advantages.

The online journalistic profession has not been left behind, either. The ongoing transformation has affected the area at large, with many digital actors coming into play, identifying themselves as a journalist. Unfortunately, these individuals lack the professional training of a real journalist. And according to a professional journalist, these actors have irritated and blurred the traditional boundaries in the journalism realm. 

However, it is vital to appreciate these controversial journalists may work at times with mainstream media. Sometimes they access useful information that can be resourceful for journalists. Besides, since they don’t normally play by the rules, it could be easier for them to tap into stories. For instance, a renowned newspaper outlet may thoroughly investigate a report published by WikiLeaks and make a strong story. Also, they have more options for contacting their audiences and searching for/publishing their stories.

Even though no consensus would explain the changes in news dissemination, many scholars agree that the effect on the production of professional journalism cannot be ignored. These changes are happening so fast journalistic practices are finding it hard to cope. Today, the newspaper is available in both traditional channels as well as online forms. This has created a situation where the whole media industry is divided into two major segments, the consumer segment, and an advertising market.

Print media continues to find itself in a more fixed situation. Consider that the internet, radio, and TV spread news much faster than the newspapers; hence, the use of mobile devices has become a common trend. Print media has tried creating an application for consumers to access their news easily. But there is still a challenge because of not many consumers and inters in the political and economic reporting, which is typical of traditional print. Instead, they prefer going for entertainment over other information. And the internet offers unlimited resources for such.

Over the past decade, the internet has spread in terms of access and prices. Consumers don’t see the need to watching TV or listening to the radio or reading newspapers when there are social media to give them all the information. Hence, traditional media must adapt quickly. There is no doubt that traditional channels and the internet can work together to serve the demands of modern society.

Author: James Hamilton