Convergence is everywhere

Convergence is definitely taking place in Malaysia, as cited in examples in Quinn and Filak’s book. This involves traditional mediums taking on new appearances and roles either through news websites, producing webcasts, and sending news flashes via mobiles phones or through emails. Some local publications have got to the extent of acquiring radio stations and television stations (if their financials permit) to have complete control of all mediums and have better outreach to their audiences

As discussed in many editorial meetings and some I’ve had the chance to attend, time seems to be the precious commodity for all readers. Readers/viewers do not have the luxury of time to read a newspaper or magazine from back to front or even sit through a news programme. They want information delivered close to real time as the even takes place and in small doses where it does not take up too much time digesting it.

In The Star and in other dailies in Malaysia, information sent has been reduced to couple of lines transmitted on a mobile phone or PDA and on news websites, fulfilling the speedy demands of the reader/viewer.

Also As publications clamour to fight for reader’s time to deliver news to them (as well as advertising space), publications are looking to enlarge market share or readership. Since the younger generations are more likely to turn on their laptops, PDAs or mobile than to read a newspaper, publications are all turning their news websites into trendier, eye-catching sites to lure new readers.

More importantly, these news websites provide advertising space, which advertisers would be keen to pay for, tapping into the younger generation, which potentially have higher spending power.

These trends are not unique to Malaysia alone, as pointed out by Erwin, in the Philippines and I’m sure in other parts of the world. The push towards convergence is inevitable, yes, I agree with Erwin. It is unavoidable due to the demands of readers/ viewers, changes in the way we live and receive information and more obviously to the advancements of technology.