Welcome to "My World of Communication"

Welcome to "My World of Communication" where I will be exploring the exciting innovations of strategic communications and emerging media. As you may know, I'm Janice, and I'm enthused to be your blogger. This blog is to share with you what I will learn throughout the duration of my current course; COM 6630, Strategic Communications and Emerging Media. 

Why strategic communications you ask? Firstly, because I am an aspiring expert in this field. As a young girl, I always enjoyed writing. I enjoyed it so much that you'd always find me writing letters and messages, and creating "codes" or other creative ways to communicate to others. As I get older, I understand, even more, the importance of effective means of communication. This interest led me to pursue my Masters in Strategic Communication, a program I am currently enrolled in at Troy University. I am all for discovering the best ways to reach an audience. 

My perspective of emerging technologies and strategic communications has broadened over the years, as I have worked in various fields to include business, banking, finance, and education. Yet, one thing has remained the same in each of those fields; the need to communicate to audiences and stakeholders through the most tactical techniques. There is something critical about getting the right message, through the right media, to the right audience, at the right time, and with the right effect. That’s strategic communication. Besides, the communications and media fields seem to be constantly evolving and advancing into something new. And, being a military spouse, I've learned to embrace change, and appreciate the new. 

As I dive into this course, I invite you to journey with me from week to week as I share hot topics with you about strategic communications and emerging media here on my blog; "My World of Communication." Be sure to visit back on a weekly basis at www.myworldofcomm.blogspot.com. Subscribe to receive my blogs once a week (at the top right corner), and if you have any feedback, don’t hesitate to comment.

Has Traditional Media Flatlined?

This week, we’re exploring the topic of traditional mass media; specifically, its future, or lack thereof. Has traditional media flatlined, or is there still a faithful generation that will always contribute to the life of traditional media?

As a wife, mom, and student, among many other responsibilities, I am always on the lookout for fast and relevant information to make my life a little more convenient without compromising my family’s values; many of which are traditional (our values that is). Each morning, as a Christian and avid Bible reader, I pull up the Bible app on my tablet.  This happens significantly more than reaching into the bookshelf in my office that is full of bibles and inspirational books. For daily dinner ideas, I find myself exploring the internet on my laptop, phone, or nifty tablet in search for new recipes, rather than pulling out those cookbooks and magazines in the kitchen drawer that cry out for attention. I’m more inclined to Google homework topics for my oldest son, or even for myself, which seems to be a little easier than loading all of the children into the van to head to the local library throughout the busy work-week. As a student, I find that purchasing books in digital format (eBooks) is a typical go-to for me because of the convenience of time; and “time is of the essence” in a busy world. In “My World,” the use of new media has become increasingly popular, as with many other people over the recent decades. If I can spare a few interruptions of my daily routine and save some time by utilizing new media forms, why not?

Think about it, not too many years ago, we may have received the vast majority of our news and information through mail, but now email has become one of the most convenient mediums. There was a time when turning on the television to watch evening programming was what was "in." Now, using Redbox, Netflix, and Hulu has become increasingly popular.  Perhaps you can recall getting the morning newspaper thrown into your front yard by the paper-boy, or girl. Now, the latest breaking news can be accessed right from our mobile devices. We are constantly logging into social networks to connect with family, friends, to meet new people, or simply to discover what's trending.  We are sharing invigorating stories and photographic images of our live’s right here on the internet. By creating and reading blogs like these, we are experiencing the ever-evolving realm of strategic communications and media. Our day-to-day routines reveal its dynamics and the interactive ways that we can communicate and engage with others. How mind-boggling to think on what has been, what is, and what will be in the world of technology and media because of so many creative minds.

Traditional media is still very popular, especially for specific purposes. For instance, the times I have wanted to buy a vehicle or get into a new apartment or home, I have turned to the local newspapers, advertisements in mailers, or other local guides. More times than not, I have been successful in doing so. When looking for reliable, honest ads, it is not uncommon for consumers to turn to the handy newspaper; actually, a vast majority of Americans do. Traditional media is trusted more by consumers than new forms of media, especially as a means of advertisement because of how easy it has become for individuals to post information online. Though the use of new media is heavily intertwined throughout the fabrics of our day to day lives, traditional media is still notably present and dominant. To think, on a daily basis, a greater percent of the hours we spend on daily media consumption are used consuming television and radio far above other mediums.

You might agree that traditional media is a little less convenient at times. Still, there is something refreshing about picking up a hardback book to study; or flipping through the pages of a magazine to read up on interesting topics. There is something invigorating about sitting with the family to watch an enjoyable movie on scheduled television programming after a long day’s work rather than searching through the long list of movie topics on "on-demand" streaming video. Whatever the case, many people still find the use of traditional media to be pleasantly refreshing.