Are Apps and Media Convergence Killers?

“You have to change your mind before you change the way you live and the way you move...The thing that's going to change people will be something that no one will ever be able to capture on film. It will just be something you see and all of a sudden you realize 'I'm on the wrong page” Gil Scott-Heron

The Death of the Web:

Last week in my Strategic Communication class we discussed the death of the traditional newspaper. This week the conversation about the slow death of the web, television, radio and even compact cameras. It is difficult to believe such a conversation could actually be taking place. Is it difficult to believe the web is at risk? After all, for most of us the web has become the natural way we live. Yet, similar to the plight of the traditional news, it’s not about individuals not wanting to receive the news or browse the web or watch television it’s about the way we receive. It is simply about the getting. This quote from an article written by Chris Anderson and Michael Wolff sums it up.“Two decades after its birth, the World Wide Web is in decline, as simpler, sleeker services –think apps- are less about searching and more about the getting. Chris Anderson explain how this new paradigm reflects the inevitable course of capitalism. And Michael Wolff explains why the new breed of media titan and is forsaking the Web for more promising (and profitable) pastures. 

The Death of Compact Cameras:

Pay close attention to how the word “apps” is once again at the center of the statement. The switch from using the web to using apps is subtle it hard to pin point. Without thought we check our e-mails on our IPad, before leaving home we browse Facebook, twitter and the New York times all using apps. However, apps are not working alone, they are being assisted by Media Convergence. Media What? Media convergence is best described as different types of media being emerged together due to the progression of technology. An example would be the way Smartphones have changed photography. Who amongst us does not have memories of being held captive while a parent snapped pictures of the first day of school? This week, I was the parent behind the camera, except this time it was my mobile app not a compact camera. It was a candid moment, my oldest son preparing to drive back to the University of South Florida and my youngest first day of 8th grade. Moments after tormenting them to “Say Cheese” my pictures were ready to be e-mailed, posted, tweeted, blogged or Instagramed, had they indulged me, the four minute video would have been ready for posting on You Tube. Similar to traditional newspapers, the use of compact cameras are on the decline. It is not uncommon to use mobile devices and to photograph and record a wedding. The IPhones is the most popular camera on Flickr. So now the question is when the last time is you saw your video recorder or Kodak camera? More victims? So with the web, print news and even compact cameras being challenged by media convergence, it only make sense television is next on the “hit” list. According to an article written by Joe flint, Nielsen is exploring new ways to measure the way television content is being viewed and distributed in the digital age. The rating company previously only counted television viewing which occurred through a 0ver-the air antenna or via a pay-tv provider. However, due to younger viewing opting to view television through video game consoles or other forms of broadband, beginning in the fall these sources will be included in the measurement of television viewing. “The definition of television viewing is blurring a little bit,” said Pat McDonough, a Nielsen senior vice president. The fact is media across the spectrum is blurring. The problem facing Strategic Communication is the inability to predict the changes which will result as the lines dividing media become practically non-existence.


Strategic Communication across the Generations:

So how did this week’s discussion of media convergence and online clutter go with my mother? Her response was totally in line with her generation, “wastefulness.” When I shared it is possible to open e-mail accounts, websites and other forms of social media outlets and simply abandoned the content without any repercussions. She simply shook her head stating “People today waste so much time glued to phones and computers”. It made me picture someone emerging from within our devices and smacking our hands as if we were unruly children.

After explaining the meaning of media convergence, I share with her The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" on a poem and song written by the late Gil Scott-Heron. I found a great version on YouTube. “The poem uses cultural references from the 70’s. The key ,message relayed in the poem is that people were living in a country where everything was becoming increasingly sanitized and pre-packed, The Revolution will not be televised” is partly a call to arms and partly an w that there was an alternative, but that it wouldn’t happen if people just stayed at home staring at their TV’s.”

 Could Heron have predicted media convergence? It also hints at the consumerist culture we live in today. Except commercial are having to change to get our attention. It was amazing how my mom and I were able to identify the product based on the tagline in the poem. Companies have to place a great deal of clutter and content on the web to get that kind of product recognition today. In my mother’s words “That man knew what he was talking about. 

 Below is an excerpt from The Revolution Will Not Be Televised: 

The revolution will not be televised
 The revolution will not be right back after a message
 About a white tornado, white lightening, or white people 
 You will not have to worry about a germ on your bedroom,
 A tiger in your tank, or the giant in your toilet bowl,
 The revolution will not go better with coke 
The revolution will not fight the germs that cause bad breath
 The revolution WILL put you in the driver’s seat The revolution will not be televised
 The revolution will not be televised, 
Will Not Be Televised  
Therevolution will be no runs brother
 The Revolution will be live