Convergence Culture

When discussing convergence culture, it is important to note how the meaning of this term has changed. In the 1990s period, there existed the assumption that “new media was going to push aside old media”, (Jenkins: 2006. Page 5) from this idea, we extract the idea that convergence culture is media which fiercely replaces that which cannot adapt to new consumers or conditions. However, convergence culture  illustrates different media forms becoming more closely related. When Henry Jenkins describes the mobile phone as

"the electronic equivalent of a Swiss army knife", (Jenkins: 2006. Page 5) it is possible to realise that convergence culture can merge media forms together, rather than replace them entirely.

By combining media forms and using them alongside new technologies, we note that the way in which media culture is used by consumers is liable to change. Acknowledging that a phone user may have access to direct news feeds and niche channels, yet radio and television channels are also accessed on phones. This gives credit to Jenkin’s statement, “old media are not being replaced. rather, their functions and status are shifted".

When Jenkins states that “consumers are fighting for their right to participate more fully in culture” (Jenkins: 2006. Page 18) , he brings to our attention the issue of government regulation of the internet. Convergence culture creates new frontiers of information sharing and ethics related to the freedom of information. Because of this, governments are encroaching on these frontiers to enforce rules which comply with the restrictions placed on old media, such as television and radio. These restrictions prove to be dated and ineffective and are also rejected by those who engage in convergence culture forms.

Bibliography:

Henry, J (2006) Convergence Culture: Where old and new media collide. New York University Press: London