Traditional Media vs 'New' Media - Is there REALLY a Battle Going On..?

VBL Discussion: Traditional Media vs ‘New’ Media – Is there REALLY a Battle Going On?

December 9, 2011 8 Comments

Here’s a snap shot taken this morning at my facility in Cebu, Philippines. The shoot was for a feature that Entrepreneur Magazine is doing on myself, and my company, Virtual Staff Finder – it’ll be coming out in the March 2012 issue.

I’ve been lucky enough to get featured in more ‘traditional’ media quite a bit in my career – TV, Radio, Newspapers and Magazines. This particular feature in Entrepreneur will actually be my second in the incredibly successful business magazine. I’m always very thankful for the exposure that these articles, interviews, etc., bring me and my businesses.

Traditional Media vs New Media

However, with the world of ‘new media’ quickly becoming the ‘norm’ in regards to marketing and promotion of businesses, events, etc., the question has to be raised – is there really a battle between the two actually going on? Or, has ‘traditional’ media just accepted that the online world is here to stay?

Recently, I was on a flight coming back from the US, where I spoke at BlogWorld Expo (the premier event for new media enthusiasts) and watched a documentary called Page One – Inside the New York Times. It’s a great inside look at how one of the worlds biggest, most successful newspapers is handling their own transition into new media. Easily one of the most interesting docu’s I’ve watched for a long time, and I suggest you check it out.

My Opinion

In my own, humble opinion, I believe that ‘new’ media now includes all of what ‘traditional’ media is about. Seriously, I mean, when was the last time you looked in a magazine, newspaper, or checked out a TV show or even a radio interview / spot, where the words Twitter or Facebook were not mentioned / pimped out…?!!

Utilizing the power of the web, blogs, social media, podcasting and online video is now simply enjoying, incorporating and understanding… ‘MEDIA’. Period.

As a blogger, particularly, surely I am a online publisher… right?. That’s what I think, anyway.

What’s your take on all this? Do you believe that new media and traditional media are locked in a battle, or simply becoming more and more intwined together? Let’s discuss below!

Comments

John Colley says:

December 9, 2011 at 6:25 pm John Colley(Quote)

Hey Chris
I spoke this week at The London based Stationers Livery Company on the subject of Digital Publishing and Social Media. What was clear is that the Publishing companies definitely understand the need to adapt and embrace digital but not all them really get it. There are still a lot of paywalls out there and book publishers complaining about the demise of the book and blaming the ebook.

At a business level it is still clear that most private businesses do not know how to combine print with online marketing.

My mantra is “Think like a media company at all times” and never miss a chance to adapt something for either my blog, my podcasts and even my (nascent) YouTube video channel.

Humbled to be in the presence of Media Greatness!!!

Best regards

John

Frank Schwarz says:

December 9, 2011 at 8:27 pm Frank Schwarz(Quote)

Congrats Chris-

I’ll buy me a copy. Let me know when to get it.

Make it a Great Day!

Wasim Ismail says:

December 9, 2011 at 8:29 pm Wasim Ismail(Quote)

This is just one the ways that we have adapted, its like before when we use to use Yellow pages or printed directories to look for contact numbers, but now its all done online. The internet is always evolving. interms of interlinking, yes there is a link between relation and new , as for some business you still need to do some traditional media to get users to engage in the modern media.

Sam says:

December 9, 2011 at 9:36 pm Sam(Quote)

Hey Chris,

Each time a new forum comes around things change and companies adapt or die. Originally you had just the splendid word, then we were able to write, then the mass produced printed word, then tv, then internet so on and so forth. The new medium is usually embraced by a small population and once the big guys find that its a viable source, they jump in.

Although digital sales are starting to, or far exceeded in some cases, print still has its place and has become a part of a company’s diversification strategy rather than their all in. Adapt or die.

Sam

Mark says:

December 10, 2011 at 1:04 am Mark(Quote)

Greetings,
Just like Sam says….adapt or die so I firmly believe any company wanting to stay healthy must grasp and accept the new way to get to consumers/buyers. Ironically, I will be opening up a beef jerky manufacturing facility in the Clark Special economic zone in Pampanga. Ive been making jerky for 20 years and actually sold it already in Manila as a test. I will be utilizing FB, Twitter and the web to push product and stay in touch with consumers in the philippines. I believe the NEW MEDIA is the way to go and in this time we are witnessing a slow but sure shift from the old way to the new way.

Many thanks and keep up the good work,
Mark

stevewyman says:

December 10, 2011 at 2:52 am stevewyman(Quote)

Hi chris

I wrong a long reply including some comments about meeting to discuss the inevitable.

In summary, i dont get this conversation. The battle is lost. Newspaper and books are increasingly digial and within what 5 years rpint will be dead other than in niche areas. a shame I really like books and old book shops BUT i like instant downloads of books and magazines to my various electronic devices MORE.

Once youve bookmarked on a kindle or a ipad/iphone turning the corner on a book is so last centurary.

as with all technology adapt or die.

regards

regards

Ana says:

December 10, 2011 at 1:58 pm Ana(Quote)

I don’t think that there’s really a battle between the two, media just simply evolved. Both connect with each other. For example, the old media like magazines can promote for their new media strategies like their facebook or twitter accounts and vice versa.

Trevor Young says:

December 17, 2011 at 10:37 am Trevor Young(Quote)

It’s a great topic Chris, one that definitely lends itself to ongoing robust discussion! There is no doubt the smarter traditional media outlets are across the need for change and are desperately trying to evolve quickly enough to ensure they remain relevant and profitable in today’s hyper-connected world. This, of course, means adapting new media technologies where applicable and ditching old habits along the way.

However, of relevance, the more exciting and faster-growing trend as I see it is the rise and rise of the ‘new media mini-empire’.

Attending BlogWorld LA 2011 certainly reinforced my view there is a new breed of blogger/content creator/media publisher that no doubt is being watched closely by traditional media operators.

i wrote about it here on my PR Warrior blog: ‘Have We Seen the End of Blogging as We Know It?’ http://bit.ly/vP7oy8

I would be interested in your thoughts Chris.

Cheers, Trevor

P.S. Congrats on the Entrepreneur Magazine piece, I’ll keep an eye out for it!