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 21st
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 21st 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.
