Media Convergence

How will people access digital media content in the future?

What combination of TV, computer or mobile device will be used?

Which kinds of content will become commonplace?

Rapid changes in technology and the media industries have led to new modes of distributing and consuming information and entertainment across platforms and devices. Breaking news is delivered by email alerts or RSS feeds, and audiovisual content is read, listened to or watched at a convenient time, often while on the move.

The process of 'media convergence' has far broader policy implications for ownership and audience access to diverse information. Dwyer critically analyses the political, economic, cultural, social, and technological factors that are shaping these changing media practices.

There are examples of media convergence in everyday life throughout, including IPTV, VoIP and Broadband networks. The impacts of major traditional media players moving into the online space is illustrated using case studies such as the acquisition of the social networking site MySpace by News Corporation, and copyright issues on Google's YouTube.

This informative resource is key reading for media studies students, researchers, and anyone with an interest in media industries, policy and regulation.