Lecture 2 - New News

The Jellybeans were not poisoned. Perhaps my wariness of such an unexpected gift is profoundly representative of my attitude towards 'new media'.. Or, more likely, I am simply a suspicious person. 

Breaking News!

Jellybeans are, apparently, very much like 21st century journalism. People are so used to free online content that, when asked to pay for it, they feel cheated. The public is beginning to view journalism as an entitlement. Sure, when news corporations report on Justin Bieber's new haircut like its the beginning of world peace, or Jersey Shore's 'Snooki' eating a sandwhich, the public may feel a slight reluctance to pay for such low content journalism. However, with the public showing resistance to paying for content, and such inane, brainless content readily available for free, what will become of the aspiring journalist?


Entering into a journalism degree, the majority of people I told asked me why - didn't I know it was a "dying industry?" My reply was always the same slightly disgruntled, exasperated and defeated answer - "its my passion.. I've always wanted to do it.. ect ect." There is no denying the inevitable, journalism is moving away from old media - the 50's news office where men smoked cigars and slapped women's asses - through the new social media experience and towards the bright, shiny new future of the semantic web. This shift both creates new opportunities and poses huge challenges.

The opportunities - more hyper localisation, diverse and specific articles. Want to know what is going on in your street? The crimes in your neighbourhood? Or a specific issue in a less popular field? The semantic web provides not only the ability to view articles that, in the old media system, would not have been produced, it allows virtually anyone in the world viewing access. However, on the other hand, this 'tailor made' media system could also lead to more narrow-mindedness and less willingness to read different content person to person. When you can create your own media experience, why read anything that differs from your primary interests or, even worse, challenges your beliefs?


Either way, the rather expensive gag was much appreciated on my long walk home!