Media convergence

Media convergence is a theory in communications where forms of mass media merge together to create a new product offering a variety of the properties of each.

Croteau and Hoynes 2003 article claim that convergence has become most visible on the Internet. This is a convergence of the phone line, and the computer which can further dipict media created through other mediums such as photos from cameras, soundbites from the radio and video from the camera. The aim of convergence is to continuously improve the current inventions we have by merging them together.

Convergence has become most visible on the Internet, where the technology for streaming audio and video is evolving rapidly.

According to the theory of media convergence, very soon, there will be no more need for having a television and a computer separate from each other, since both would be able to do the job of the other, ultimately making both extinct and creating a new medium from the synthesis.

As a communication theory, media convergence aims to bring together all forms of media into one single device.

Media convergence really refers to the merging of capabilities of each individual media channel. Technology is aiding the deletion of individual devices, but this is not what is referred to here. Media convergence is the ability for an increasingly diverse range of content to be delivered through a range of media channels. Unlike the traditional delivery of TV programs through TV, we can now receive TV programs not only on a TV, but also a mobile phone, a computer, an Ipod etc. Convergence is not the reduction of devices but the expansion of channels to content combinations.

A recent example of convergence is the iPhone by Apple which converges the television, personal computer, iPod, mobile, internet and camera. The iPhone puts the theory of convergence to the test to find if one medium comprised of all the elements of the media is most successful.

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