Monday, September 8, 2014

Why Common Sense Alternative Media Is The Next Big Thing

By Jody Leach


Media ownership and control has remained in the hands of a few individuals who have the financial muscle. They controlled what the public knew and the extent of the details. This trend has been interrupted by common sense alternative media. It has become more influential despite requiring less capital to setup and run.

Specialized- outlets operating as alternative media are highly specialized in their content and style of delivery. They focus on a particular area and therefore have an audience that is ready to watch or listen. This is contrary to conventional broadcast where a station would air all manner of content through a single channel. It has created a loyal viewership and allowed such stations or platforms to handle issues with greater depth.

There are stations broadcasting pure entertainment like music, soap operas, drama series, reality shows and games. This means that a viewer is sure to catch his favorite action anytime of day or night. This creates attachment and a feeling of belonging. The few slots available in conventional media for such content are rendered unsatisfactory.

Cost of production- traditional broadcast was expensive because of equipment, office space and cost of producing programs. This has been altered by the advent of technology which makes it possible to record using devices like mobile phones. They come with applications that can be used to edit sound, graphics and images and still produce excellent results.

Expanding internet space- the internet has provided an excellent opportunity for starters to showcase their work. There are blogs for persons interested in text where they can launch their careers. Video streaming sites like youtube offer an excellent broadcasting platform for any audio, graphic or visual content. There are no charges to operate on these platforms yet the reach is incredibly global.

Social media- the response on such platforms is instant and genuine. Friends criticize the ideas as presented in demos. Some of the most influential sites include facebook, instagram and twitter. Such exposure and criticism is good before commercialization stage.

Domesticated content- people allover the world are leaning towards localized content. Broadcast is done in local languages and is creating an excellent opportunity to influence decisions at that level. The use of local languages is sidelining large broadcasting corporations and eating into their market share.

Instant reach- emerging platforms offer a chance to reach your audience without disrupting normal daily activities. News hours are not scheduled and rigid. It takes a few minutes to pass information across the globe and get feedback. Details are broadcast regardless of the time or location. This creates a sense of reliability compared to instances where one had to wait for scheduled bulletin.

The loss of market share by mainstream outlets appears desperately unstoppable. The advent of a selective audience and ease in production will be the last blow. This comes with the advantage of diversity and offers more people the opportunity to shape discussions and ideas in life. It will be inevitable for conventional outlets to adapt to the changing environment or risk extinction. The future appears freer and cheaper with variety for audiences across the globe.




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