"Something Old, Something New"

            Is old media being pushed further and further from our present and future by the use of new media? First, we should examine the definitions of old and new media. Old media is typically known as newspapers and television. New media refers to increased technology…blogs.

            Based on the Pew Research Center article, we can see that the shift is dependent upon specific issues. Older media sources tend to suffice topics such as Health & Medicine and Economy, but are largely lacking when it comes to Science, Technology, and Celebrity issues. A range of other issues have proved to be competent in either media source.

            The Post-Gazette article (published less than a year after the Pew article) describes the swiftly approaching change that is upon us in how we can are retrieving our news. Newsweek, although with much accolade provides weekly news highlights, simply cannot outdo fast, daily newsfeeds found on The Daily’s website.

            Although the popularity of the vast array of topics varies among old and new media sources, both provide us with the information—and that is key. Perhaps, also, the shift in requested information is due to a change of interests among generations. While some information may seem unappealing to many, it still remains necessary for those who are interested and for the general mental consumption among the general population.

            Much like our grandparents and elderly loved ones, old media is dwindling, and although it will never be obsolete, it will never have the gusto it once did. With changes times, and quickening need for knowledge, online forums are the only way to satisfy the public’s cry for information.

Source:

Sciullo, Maria. “On the Media: Old media vs. new -- Who wins?: Newsweek's subscriptions have fallen to 1.5 million. Murdoch predicts 15 million users for The Daily in its first year.” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. March 13, 2011. http://old.post-gazette.com/pg/11072/1131173-51.stm