The More You Know...

I would have to say one of the more important things I learned in this class was the different types of analysis (Qualitative vs. Quantitative) that you can use for a research project. This, in addition to the critical process that was mentioned in another blog post, will help me with future research projects. Media consumption and media research are two different entities. We've been conditioned to watch TV, read the newspaper, etc. and accept everything at face value. An important lesson taught in this class is that there are more factors at work than the general public realizes. Things like PR campaigns and VNRs are found everywhere in the media. I believe I can now consume media in a more objective light than I could before. 

Another issue is media conglomeration. I was aware of the recent mergers of media companies, such as NBC Universal (TV and movies) and Sony-BMG (music). As large as these media conglomerates have become, at least there is still competition in their respective industries. Other media industries do not have the same levels of competition. Clear Channel's stranglehold on the radio stations is a scary thought. The story about the train crash/toxic gas in Minot, ND should serve as a warning that it is not a good idea for one company to own all of the radio stations in a particular market. Another industry facing reduced competition is the newspapers. As the market for traditional daily newspapers continues to shrink, the publishing companies are forced to consolidate or be bought out by larger corporations. In the last 5 years, both the Pioneer Press and the Star Tribune have changed hands. How long until one of them goes under and the Twin Cities only has one major daily newspaper? In order for the market to remain (semi) free, there must be competition. Monopolies are generally not a good idea.

The third point I'd like to make is how the future of every media industry lies in the internet (duh). It's almost become redundant to say it, but I believe it now more than ever. The group presentations done in class were a great way to show how each industry is migrating online. This transformation is still taking place, but eventually the internet will be the primary source of information. The internet has already become the primary source for people to purchase (or steal) their music. Printed newspapers are on their way down, with the online versions gaining readership (and advertising revenue) every day. Television will be around for a long time, but more and more people are watching their favorite shows online, either by purchasing them from iTunes or watching for free on sites like hulu.com. The media companies that are quick to adapt and figure out how to make a profit online will be the ones that stick around.