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Thursday, September 11, 2014

Why Common Sense Alternative Media Is Taking Over The World

By Jody Leach


A few years ago the media was owned by a number of large corporations who controlled what you knew and how much. This trend has drastically reversed with the advent of common sense alternative media. It is cheap to setup and run, while at the same time it is very influential. This is attributed to several factors.

Specialization- alternative platforms are distinguished by specialization on particular content and areas of focus. This has helped them create a loyal viewership that has genuine interest in the things they broadcast. Broadcast channels are specializing in one area as opposed to slots for each category in the planet. Such a station attracts its audience by offering the depth that is required in coverage to maintain the interest of viewers.

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.

The internet has provided starters with a cheap option to show case their skills. There are free blogs where writers can post their work and broadcast it to the world. Other sites like youtube allow live streaming like what is done by television stations. The global reach achieved by the internet beats investment in satellite dishes and infrastructure.

Social media- the advent of social media has provided an instant environment for appreciation and criticism. Starters can post their work on twitter, facebook or instagram and request response before commercialization. There are no charges for such testing. It gives you confidence that what you are doing or planning is viable.

Domestication- audiences around the world are getting more interested in local content. This has created numerous opportunities for locals to generate exciting broadcast material. It is easily adopted by populations and is highly influencing decisions. This trend has seen the acceptance of different languages as a medium of broadcast. This has sidelined mainstream corporations and greatly reduced their share.

Instant reach- new media provides an opportunity to reach your audience within minutes. There are no schedules when you can access certain information and neither is there restriction on location. The channels have a global reach that is instantaneous. This makes them convenient and reliable sources of information compared to the traditionally scheduled broadcast.

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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