OLD MEDIA Meaning and
Definition
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Old media refers to traditional forms of communication and information dissemination that existed before the rise of the internet and digital technology. It encompasses various methods of mass communication, including print publications (newspapers, magazines, books), broadcast media (television, radio), and other analog forms (film, vinyl records).
Old media typically relies on physical formats that require manual distribution, consumption, and storage. These media formats are often characterized by a one-to-many communication model, where a small number of publishers or broadcasters disseminate information to large audiences.
In "old media," content creation, distribution, and consumption are separate processes. A limited number of gatekeepers control the creation and publication of content, and audiences have a passive role in the information flow, with limited means for interaction and engagement.
Old media also embodies a centralized and hierarchical approach, as major media organizations and corporations exert significant influence and control over the content produced and disseminated. Advertising and subscriptions were the primary sources of revenue for these industries.
The advent of the internet and digital technology have disrupted the dominance of old media, challenging its business models and transforming communication and information consumption patterns. New media, such as online news outlets, social media platforms, and streaming services, have emerged as alternative channels for content creation, distribution, and interaction, democratizing the flow of information and empowering individuals to actively participate in the media landscape.
Etymology of OLD MEDIA
The term "old media" is not derived from a specific etymology, as it is a relatively modern concept coined to distinguish traditional forms of media from new, digital media formats. However, the word "old" originates from the Old English word "ald", which later transformed into "old" in Middle English. "Old" refers to something that is ancient, past its prime, or no longer in its original state. "Media", on the other hand, derives from the Latin word "medium", meaning a means or instrument, and refers to different communication platforms or channels that disseminate information or entertainment to the public. The combination of the words "old" and "media" is a result of linguistic adaptation to describe the pre-digital forms of media, such as newspapers, television, radio, and print publications that were prevalent before the rise of the internet and digital technologies.
