How will the print industry survive? What is the impact of demassification?

Demassification of mass media refers to the restructuring of media industry into smaller independent operating entities; including, print (newspapers, books, magazines), film, and broadcast media (radio and television).  As technology increases, some of these operating sources are beginning to diminish.  For example, the radio, if you think about back in the 1980s, MTV was launched had a powerful impact over the radio, and now you can think of iPods, a lot of people aren’t really listening to the radio anymore. Another example would be print media, here I am thinking about the Internet.  Newspapers, magazines, and books can now be read online.  Newspapers and magazines post almost all of their stories and articles online for each volume, and books are cheaper if bought online.  Even with the invention of iPads, and the Kindle, books and Internet have become extremely portable and easier to use than picking up an actual book, newspaper, or magazine; not to mention much more accessible and fast passed because they can be updated so quickly, unlike print media.  I still think the print media will survive because some people like to have a tangible copy of something that they get their information from, but it is hurting, a lot.  Some people in older generations will like the print media because it is easier for them to understand than today’s technology.  But I think soon everything will be based around technology.  Growing up I have been living through the information age of technology and have seen many things change, and I have noticed a great increase in the use of computers and Internet.  I can even say that at Roger Williams we have changed over from that of print media to a more computer based classroom atmosphere.  I don’t think the print media will survive much longer if technology keeps increasing the way it is.

-Caty Draicchio