Media Convergence

If we look at the media trends of last ten years the most probable inference is that media forms are much more intertwined than they were earlier. There are no isolated departments of media anymore. Different media platforms like TV, radio and print have merged together to a large extent giving birth to an integrated form of media. How and what we see as media has undergone drastic changes since the internet has become a commonplace feature in everyday life. The internet functions as the bridge that fills the gaps between various media platforms. It has been the major game changer for convergent media.

 Henry Jenkins defines this form of media convergence by looking at it as five distinct processes namely, technological, organic, economic, cultural and global. Neither of the processes can evolve without the support of the others and hence are jointly seen as responsible for this concurrence of media forms in modern society. This phenomenon also includes the free flow of content which has been observed in the recent years. The question that arises is how the different forms of media as we know them have become integrated. As mentioned above, the internet functions as the buffer between different forms and becomes the common platform for all. The digitization of media products and services lies at the base of this 21^st century development. The extent to which digital media content can be sourced, distributed and accesses is dependent on the availability of high-speed broadband internet, which has seen tremendous growth in the last decade.

Convergence describes the contribution of all component platforms in the delivery of the information product to a web based operating system. It results in a simultaneous information sharing and enhancement.  The development of technology remains beneficial to media as it is for other fields. Decreasing software and product prices due to technological advancement allows easier and smoother introduction of one form of media into another. Collaborations in the industry have become prevalent as a result of this. A team trained to function within different forms of media armed with the equivalent technology reduces the manpower and resource consumption of any media company. This in turn reduces cost of human resources as well as technological resources for the media industry.

Convergent media is the coming together of all realms of media industry be it print, TV, radio or the more recent entries like internet and mobile phones. The concept of convergence has undergone scrutiny and fine tuning from media companies for a lot of time. They accept its growing importance and the need to adapt with the changing times. The fast paced life of today’s people reflects in their demands. Quick access to everything and constant connectivity remains is their main concern. Internet remains at the crux of it all. It makes possible the direct and quick access that audience nowadays desire.

Another important feature of convergent media is the increased user interaction and the user created content. The use of World Wide Web indicates a more active audience thus higher participation and user content. All forms of digital media formats like social media, social networking sites, mobile phones etc are included within the umbrella of convergent media.

How media convergence effect training for the field, is an essential question.  The integration that is being witnessed in the industry is reflected in institutes that train the next generation of professionals for the industry. Integrated courses with a fully rounded education and training for students of media are the norm in institutions now. Students are allowed the specialization in the field of their choice but are also pushed into learning the basics of all major media fields so as to be just as proficient as media has become in 21^st century.

Thus we can conclude that media convergence is not a phase in the industry but a change for a better future. It has been accepted by many and celebrated by others. After delving into convergent media it becomes important to know that the future of media involves an integrated singular format and the need for proper training is central to this future.