Every citizen expects correct answers to the questions like What? When? Where? How? Why? and it is the sole responsibility of the media industry to keep the citizens informed. Back in 19th century, people relied on newspapers and radio announcements for keeping themselves updated about the recent progression in the nation. Then came the idiot box i.e Television, featuring multiple channels to tune into. That is when the news channels received major hype.
As we step into a digital world, the news can now reach people anywhere they are and whenever they want. The television and online media platforms have revolutionized the way news is reaching to people. The focus has now diverted from news channels to mobile phone applications. With an increase in social media outlets, the usage of newspapers and radio announcements has reduced. The crowd now depends more on the social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. as well as mobile applications. Considering 20 years from now, a smartphone will be an integral part of people’s life.
With social media on the rise, the media houses will have to reach people through this network. People interact with each other on social media platforms where the exchange of information and discussions take place. To reach people and keep them informed, media strategies should change with the change in technology. If a person wants to read news while running, then he should be able to access it on his mobile phone. If a person spends half of his day a social media platform then media should be able to keep him updated through that.
New start-ups and initiatives taken by the public are also on the hike. People feel that it is their responsibility to disseminate the day-to-day happenings around the world. With this aim, the young generation has taken over social media and created awareness pages for people to follow and keep themselves abreast. The Web is a medium that has its own script and indulges viewers to have online chat sessions and conversations wherein the discussions take place on a myriad of topics.
The media industry must improvise its pace with the rise in technology and people’s dependence on it. Engineers and Journalists work together to be on the same page as technology. Journalists need to pay extra heed to the news stories that they cover to avoid any loop holes. The major challenge that still penetrates into the media world is dispersing the correct news. A lot of cross-checking and reviewing is required to publish the news that people want.
Marty Baron, a respected journalist and Pulitzer Prize-winning editor of The Washington Post, says “If we fail to pursue the truth and tell it unflinchingly because we are fearful we’ll be unpopular or because powerful interests will oppose us, the public will not forgive us.”
Even after 20 years and the years to come, the mission of Media Industries should always be to provide the truth of every story and not the modified version. After all, the public speaks what media interprets and this interpretation of news should be genuine.
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