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MANY of grew up anticipating the smart smack of the newspaper hitting the floor every morning, then racing to see who would be the first to grab it before passing it around. That simple pleasure has become an all but forgotten memory.
These days, the instinctive reaction is to roll out of bed and reach for the device that will kickstart your day with the latest news and messages. And it will probably stay close to your body through the day.
Methods of delivery change. Habits change.
But, ultimately, it’s still about being fed information.
The role of media today hasn’t changed from its original intent.
How you get it, how much you get, and how you view it have changed quite significantly.
Coping With The Incessant Flow
Whether it’s on your smart device or your laptop or desktop the information flows ceaselessly, a relentless crashing of waves upon your brain.
In this 24/7 environment, the purveyors of product have had to reconsider how they remain relevant.
Not just are the media folks trying to break stories for their sites, they are also up against the algorithms of the big organisations that have suddenly jockeyed into position as masters of the media.
Alphabet (Google) and Meta (Facebook) have joined more traditional outlets to become kings of the domain.
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Technology has enabled speedy, almost instantaneous delivery of media products. From podcasts to videos on websites or apps like YouTube and TikTok, and chat groups like WhatsApp, the avenues into your device and your brain are abundant.
As demand has surged, so too has creation of content.
And while, back in the day, we looked to the newspapers and broadcasters for news, now everyone can be a news provider. All you need is the same device that delivers the news to you to turn it around and create content.
The Role Of Media?
What does that mean for media houses that have invested in delivering content to an increasingly slippery audience that has little loyalty and scrolls to the site of the moment?
Those who were quick to get a fix on the situation have pivoted, struggled to some extent, but are finding their rhythm again.
It does’t take a genius to realise that the flow and delivery of news is constant, and a fixed medium like a newspaper will be outdated almost as soon as it’s hit the printer.
With the low barrier to entry, many news sites have sprung up and are game to deliver their brand of contents — be it original or repurposed.
Add to that the influencers and experts who are adding their little chirps to the platform, hoping they will become the next big thing with a following to match, and it’s quite a noisy space in the hush of an environment where eyes are steadfastly focused on bright screens.
Tick, Tech, Troll
Technology has also allowed manipulation of information, and that brings its own set of perils. The lack of adherence to rules when it comes to fake news, misinformation and disinformation, trolling, spamming, and so on, makes it a difficult terrain to navigate.
The WED WEB CHAT — Media: Then & Now gathered Singaporean editors and writers who shared their insights and experiences on the topic.
P.N. Balji, who worked in five newsrooms — including The Straits Times, The New Paper and Today — before stepping away from full-time journalism, has authored a book on the subject.
Irene Hoe spent most of her time in the newsroom as a columnist and editor. After leaving, she continued writing and editing books, while conducting editorial training and teaching.
Bernard Lim used to be a familiar voice on the air. He has worked in broadcasting since his National Service and university days, with Rediffusion, then the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation which became MediaCorp.
Ilyas Sholihyn is Editor-in-chief at Rice Media, a digital publication known for its investigative reporting, cultural commentary and human interest stories in Singapore. He is part of the new breed of journalist who is tasked with several duties other than just telling a story.
WATCH THE FULL DISCUSSION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE ARTICLE
The discussion covered a range of topics, from the US Presidential Election to the old and new methods. About the values that determined a good writer then, and the need to deliver content that ticked many technological boxes to snare eyeballs.
The newsroom, once a hub of discussion and activity with phones ringing and typewriters clicking, has become silent. Everything comes through computers and messages and many don’t even go into office, preferring to work remotely.
Google as Editor-in-chief
While the old hats may seem to be preferring the old ways, the opposite is the case.
They love it for the rich variety of content on offer. Their experience helps to sift out the unreliable content. But, more than that, it allows opinions and observations to prevail, when otherwise they may be buried and lost.
Playing Watchdog
The recent INCOME-Allianz issue came to light largely through the posts of former INCOME CEOs, Tan Kin Lian and Tan Suee Chieh. While mainstream media reported on the matter, it was social media that raised the red flags that eventually led to the deal being blocked.
Which further raises the issue of relevance — or the lack of it — in local mainstream media.
Watch the full discussion of WED WEB CHAT — Media: Then & Now below.
Watch our previous wedwebchats: https://storm-asia.com/category/wed-web-chat/
If you have a topic that is of interest, or have someone who would make a good panellist with a thought-provoking perspective on a subject, please email editor@storm-asia.com with your details and a short summary.
