The Convergence of Media

Being a journalism and interactive media studies major who focuses mainly on convergent media and social media marketing, I love talking about convergent media. I even just wrote a paper about it before starting this entry!

I find the convergence of media to be a strong component. Some may argue that it has hurt newsrooms and publications more than help them. Although in some cases this may be true in relation to job stability and revenue - especially when the convergence of media was first beginning - content is being shared more and more. More audiences are being reached. Anyone and everyone who has access can now contribute and comment on what is being shared. The audience is now able to voice their views in ways that are being heard. Everything is being done faster than ever before. 

For example, I follow various news outlets on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Huffington Post may publish an article about a devastating tornado that hit the midwest. HuffPost can then share the article, photos, etc. through its various platforms including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and its own website. That article may be shared and retweeted hundreds of times -  reaching more and more audiences than if it were just printed in a daily newspaper. The company may also boost the article so that it appears more and higher up on these platforms than if it just reached audiences organically. 

Take the same situation. By sharing the article on these platforms and enabling comments, audiences become even more engaged. Now they can contribute by not only sharing the article, but also commenting and adding their take on it. Maybe someone comments a video they took of the tornado. Maybe someone posts a story or a call for help in locating a missing animal due to the tornado. 

In these instances, convergent media has become beneficial in more ways than one to not only the news company, but its audiences.