Convergence of Media

Media Convergence involves the Interconnection of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs), Computer Networks, and Media Content. It brings together the “3C”- Computing, Communication, and Content - and is a direct consequence of the Digitization of Media Content and the Popularization of the Internet/Digital Media, the Convergent Products, Services and Activities that have emerged in the digital media space.

Media convergence is the Merging of Mass Communication Outlets - Print, Television, Radio, and the Internet along with Portable and Interactive Technologies through various Digital Media Platforms.

These Developments have Transformed Communication and Journalism by breaching longstanding boundaries - between Who is and is not a Journalist?, Between Deadlines and Other Time, between Journalists and Editors, and between Content Platforms.

American Journalism Professor Jane Singer argued that in journalism today the formerly Once-Closed Newspaper Story is now an Open Text, with an ongoing existence.

Media Convergence Opened a New Way for Participatory Culture to see Audience as active Cultural Producers and emerged Citizen Journalism; that is conducted by people who are not professional journalists but who disseminate information using Web sites, blogs, and social media etc. Citizen journalism has expanded its worldwide influence despite continuing concerns over whether citizen journalists are as reliable as trained professionals.

TECHNOLOGICAL CONVERGENCE

The Technological Dimension of Convergence is the most readily understood. With the World Wide Web, Smart Phones, Tablet Computers, Smart Televisions, and Other Digital Devices, Billions of People are now able to Access Media Content that was Once Tied to Specific Communications Media (Print and Broadcast) or Platforms (Newspapers, Magazines, Radio, Television, and Cinema).