TELEVISION AS NEW MEDIA

Televisions advancement is seen in our generation nowadays and there’s no doubt about that.
With the use of technology, the quality of the televisions is improved and many features are
added to it. Television is now considered as a new media because of the rising advancement of
technology. According to Beal (n.d.), new media is used to describe content made available
using different forms of electronic communication made possible through the use of computer
technology. It generally means that the phrase new media describes content available on-demand
through the Internet. With the use of new media, we can view the content in any devices that are
available and it also provides a way for people to interact with the contents in real-time together
with the comments and opinion of other people.

New media is different from social media. It differs in a matter that social media is a subset of
new media. What sets social media apart as a distinct category inside new media is its interactive
nature, the nature of the social network (Penn, 2016). It is important to differentiate to avoid the
chance of interchanging the meaning of each idea. One can create new media without being
social, but one cannot create social media without also being new media by definition. This is the
reason why television is related to new media. It interacts with people through the use of internet.

Advancement of technology has a big role of what television has become in this present time.
According to Okoye (2017), there are 7 ways technologies has changed television:

1. Shows step into the spotlight

2. We’re in the Game
3. Fewer middlemen
4. Internet tv
5. The soundbite hits the spotlight
6. New competition
7. YouTube fame

These 7 ways are the evidences that technology is already a part of television improvement. It
shows step into the spotlight for example, the usage of remote to easily browse the channels
available and be able to choose which shows the viewer would like to watch. We’re in the game
means when we watch live shows and be able to give comments and opinions as viewers through
the use of Twitter with a hashtag (#). It allows the fans to connect and discuss shows in real-time.
Having a middleman is costly, but because of technology, the viewers can get the video content
directly to their devices without a conventional intermediary. When we say internet tv we all
know it’s all about Smart TVs. These inventions effectively gave TV internet access and
computer capabilities. This means no more HDMI cables to stream videos to a TV, as well as
online access to content, like movies and shows. It also allows seamless access to downloaded,
stored and streaming content. Soundbite may not be one of the better changes caused by
technology, yet it is very significant. The viewer's ability to choose video content and zero in on
specific excerpts has changed the way we consume television. The competition that arises with
mediums like Netflix that is providing new avenues for shows, whether they're old with a large
fan base, or new shows specifically created for a new medium. And lastly, YouTube fame, in the
past several years, there are full of what are known as YouTube sensations – people who develop
a very large following by posting videos on YouTube and gaining traffic, fans, and followers.
Stars of this type may move on to TV or music. Because of people uploading the videos showing
their talent, they can be recognized and if lucky enough, they will be able to star or be a guest in
a tv show.With those advancements follow 5 innovations for television that people should know.
These are fantastic tech that’s set to transform your viewing experience (Chacksfield, 2018). It’s
the IMAX Enhanced, HDR10+, Hybrid Log Gamma, 8K, and MicroLED.

Moving on, television as a new media gives popularity to the person that are being starred in
different tv shows. One example of it, is the people in reality shows. Even if you do not watch
reality television, it is becoming increasingly hard to avoid. Reality television has become a
household commodity in just a few short years, and there are many reasons that contribute to the
raise in popularity (Philippi, 2018). The best example of reality show is Pinoy Big Brother or
PBB. In this reality show, it portrays the real life of different types of persons, it also shows real
emotions and what a Filipino can do to overcome the challenges. By the use of this show, it
creates rising celebrities, actors and actresses and many tv show personalities. And because of
using television as a medium of showcasing their talents and personalities, the fans are able to
pick and choose their own idol to idolize with. This only means that when a person or a group of
people with a talent or have amazing personality can be popular. The way they were featured in
commercials, talk shows, etc. helps them to be recognized more by the viewers and popularity.
Television as a new media is really amazing. By looking on how the television evolve from old
media to new media with the use of technologies and trends means that it is progressing. The
generation we live in are full of opportunities and these are evidently seen in television and also
in other aspects.

References:

Abrahamson, K. (2017). Social media is the new television. Retrieved from

https://www.adweek.com/digital/kurt-abrahamson-sharethis-guest-post-social-media-is-
the-new-television/

Beal, V. (n.d). New media. Retrieved from

https://www.webopedia.com/TERM/N/new_media.html

Chacksfield, M. (2018). 5 innovative new tv technologies you need to know about. Retrieved
from https://www.techradar.com/news/5-innovative-new-tv-technologies-you-need-to-
know-about

Hall, J. (n.d.). From tv to digital media: how technology changes content development. Retrieved
from https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnhall/2017/03/07/from-tv-to-digital-media-how-
technology-changes-content-development/#7dd972f1517a

Kokemuller, N. (2019). The main differences between social media and tv and radio advertising.
Retrieved from https://smallbusiness.chron.com/main-differences-between-social-media-
tv-radio-advertising-61434.html

Okoye, J. (2017). 7 ways technology has changed to television. Retrieved from

https://www.techopedia.com/2/29509/technology-trends/7-ways-technology-has-changed-
television

Penn, C. (2016). What’s the difference between social media and new media?. Retrieved from
https://medium.com/@cspenn/whats-the-difference-between-social-media-and-new-media-
71f7f5ae1eea
Philippi, H. (2018). Question of the week: why are reality shows so popular? Retrieved from
https://www.dailyamerican.com/entertainment/highschoolhighlights/question-of-the-week-
why-are-reality-shows-so-popular/article_cf8d6f3e-14b0-5918-accd-cee738af2fe6.html