Digital Media Industry

Electronic and Digital Media Industry
Joshua Brechtel
COM/225
February 21, 2015
Judy Arent-Morency

Electronic and Digital Media Industry
Throughout this paper the role of technology within the electronic and digital media industry will be examined. Historical and contemporary roles of media in society along with how the chemical and electronic technology of photography, recording, and transmission has advanced from the initial discovery to the present day will be described. The paper will discuss how mass media uses these technological innovations. Analysis of how the development of digital technology has affected the content, distribution, and style of electronic media will be provided. Finally the evolution of these developments over time and how they have made each and every one of us dependent on them will be discussed. Historical and contemporary roles of media in society
Technology holds a vital role in electronic and digital media. This role is undergoing
constant evolution. Digital and electronic media has been made readily available through the development and constant innovation of the Internet. The ability for the Internet to be easily accessed has allowed it to be brought into the everyday lives of society and has introduced a convenience that has simplified the process in which information is exchanged. Society has become dependent on devices and other technological advancement that allow for this information exchange to take place. As a result individuals are spending less time with one another face-to-face and are interacting more often than not through these devices. Before these and other technological advancements (television, radio) were made available individuals relied on personal interaction along with traditional print media (such as newspapers and books) to exchange information. Institutions such as libraries held much more prominence in these times and were more relied upon by individuals. Contemporary society is engrossed in technology; this technology has allowed media to have an even larger impact on society due to the convenience and availability of its content. However, media has always had the role of taking part in shaping society throughout history. In 1862, the Pacific Appeal, an African-American newspaper published in San Francisco shared political opinions of the times. According to Terry (2013) “"War and slavery are one and inseparable-they must end together," editor Philip Bell argued in the first editorial of the San Francisco black newspaper the Pacific Appeal in its inaugural issue on April 5, 1862”. The role of the media has always been to inform and provide opinions on current events. Modern advancements have allowed for this information to be more accessible. Discovery of Media
Contemporary media has a larger impact on society than it once had.
Technology is ever changing; society must keep up with these technological advancements. Computers, electronic devices and now even home appliances can easily access the internet and in most cases need that access to properly function. A codependence between society and technology has ensued. Society depends on these electronic products to get through their everyday life and have adapted to the convenience they provide. Prior to the success of the internet libraries and bookstores were used for finding new books to read. Now there are websites where individuals can find eBooks to purchase and read. In the case of eBooks people can now use cell phones to purchase or rent books. Digital cameras have expanded on what traditional cameras capabilities. Memory cards and cloud technology expand the amount of pictures that can be taken, printed and shared. This provides even more convenience in sharing information with one
another. Technological Innovations
Mass media has used modern technological innovations in a variety of ways. The main goal of mass media is to invoke thought and share information to the majority of the population through mass communication. Advancements such as television, radio and the internet has allowed mass media to present their content to even more individuals. Due to the convenience and availability of these resources society has become even more influenced by the media industry than previously. Society has also influenced how mass media companies approach their presentation. According to Vivian (2013), “Media technology is the product of inventive genius, but the application of technology to create a medium that in fact reaches a mass audience is a trial-and-error process.” This is to say that just because the technology exists does not mean that society will use it. Most individuals use advancements such as the internet to social interact with one another. Social media has become its very own phenomenon. Many mass media companies have applied this to how they present their media. Effect of Digital Technology
Digital technology has impacted the content, the distribution and the style of media. The impact of technology can be easily seen within the magazine industry. Traditionally a print media, magazine companies now include online versions of products. They also have developed applications that allow users to “swipe” their screen to simulate the flipping of pages. Prior to the popularization of smart phones and tablets many individuals did not use electronic or digital versions of magazines. However as the technology advanced allowing for these apps to be created more users began to switch over given the “swipe” ability. The photography industry has also applied new technologies to their industry. Digital cameras and camera phones have all but replaced traditional cameras for the average consumer. Originally digital cameras were incredible expensive but as these cameras became more cost effective their availability increased. Traditional film cameras required rolls of film to be purchased, used and then developed. These physical pictures required physical space and could easily be lost or damaged. The ability to store pictures as files and back them up proved to be more cost effective and more convenient for consumers. Within the music industry digital technology has made an impact as well. Recording technology has evolved from wax cylinder devices to eight tracks to cassette tapes to compact discs to compressed digital media files known as MP3s. Many individuals today use digital music files exclusively and access these files through the internet. This in turn has impacted the radio industry. While traditional radio stations are still most commonly used, transmitting on A.M and F.M. frequencies, the ability to operate an internet based radio station exists and is becoming more and more popular. Once again the convenience of the internet applied to radio is appealing due to the limited range of traditional radio stations. Conclusion
The constant evolution and advancement of modern technologies has had a direct impact on society and how it incorporates the digital and electronic media industry. The creation of the internet and the integration of access to the internet on commonly used electronic devices have expanded the reach of media. Society has become dependent on this technology and has become more influenced by the media accordingly. Without the advancements of technology such as the internet and many of today’s digital devices the digital media industry would not be the powerhouse that it has most certainly become.

References
Terry, T. C. (2013). Pacific appeal campaigns for black man 's role in civil war. Newspaper Research Journal, 34(3), 22-35. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1442363776?accountid=458
Vivian, J. (2013). The Media of Mass Communication (11th ed.). : Pearson