OLD VS. NEW

New media vs old media...is there even a difference?

Old media is classified as traditional ways to communicate. These mediums include newspaper and print, radio and television. In many ways these forms of communication have changed or lost influence as more new technology has developed. In addition these industries have also lost profitability because competitors are able to produce similar effects in cheaper ways.

New media is is a term used to classify and categorize the emergence of new digital technology that allows users to easily manipulate, compress and alter content and communication. New media also includes blogs, wikis and mash ups. In addition new media has grown because of new technologies that have been developed in the last decade.

I think that the difference between old and new media is the way people interact with the messages both produce. Old media is one dimensional with the exception of television. People can see it, but the information is not enhanced. New media uses many different mediums, sound, sight, virtual representations, interactive games and creativity. With so many added features consumers and individuals are more amused and entertained. In addition new media has allowed users to enjoy music, movies and videos in various ways. Users can now control programing through Tivo and iphone applications. New media has given users more power and more flexibility. Traditional time slots controlled by television networks and radio companies have lost their stronghold.

Another difference between the two types of media can be seen by exploring the news industry. With traditional old media it took a lot of time to place ads, and even get recent news. To process papers it was a lengthy process. Now with the advent of the internet and new technology programs like InDesign journalists and newspaper companies can instantly update stories, shift important stories and change ads instantly. The time lag that use to exist has been greatly decreased and in some ways eliminated.

The two types of technologies also work together. As more applications and programs are designed, old media will continue to transform and become part of new media. New media will force traditional forms of communication to speed up. Traditional forms will be upgraded, creating new forms of communication like Skype and texting.