The future of media: evolution, revolution and disruption | Bernat Saiz | TEDxUPF

Summary

This script discusses the Washington Post's slogan 'Democracy dies in darkness' and its reception, including internet mockery and criticism of media concentration. It explores the potential future of media, driven by technology like the internet, AI, and blockchain, suggesting a shift from product consumption to service subscription and the need for society to adapt to ensure a positive outcome.

Takeaways

• 📰 The Washington Post adopted 'Democracy Dies in Darkness' as its slogan in 2017, marking its first tagline in its 140-year history.
• 🤔 The internet initially mocked the slogan, suggesting lighter alternatives like 'The Washington Post: All Hope is Gone'.
• 🎯 The slogan represents the newspaper's commitment to its mission, despite the online ridicule it received.
• 📺 The Washington Post promoted its slogan with a Super Bowl ad, which was viewed by millions and received mixed reactions on YouTube.
• 🔄 The high number of likes and dislikes on the ad reflects a deeper issue with how people perceive media ownership and control.
• 🏢 Media concentration is a concern; in 1993, 50 corporations controlled 90% of US media, which by 2017 was down to just 5 corporations.
• 📈 The script discusses the evolution of media, noting that while technology has improved production and distribution, the underlying structure has remained largely the same.
• 🌐 The internet has empowered audiences, allowing for more direct feedback and the creation of independent media outlets.
• 🎥 Netflix and Spotify are cited as examples of how industries have been disrupted by technology, moving from physical products to subscription services.
• 🔮 The future of media may involve a shift from purchasing information products to subscribing to information services.
• 🤖 Technologies like blockchain, big data, and AI are poised to revolutionize media, potentially changing how we consume and interact with news.
• 🌡 The script speculates on a future where AI and big data could autonomously detect and report news events without human journalists.

Q & A

What is the slogan of the Washington Post since 2017?

The slogan of the Washington Post since 2017 is 'Democracy dies in darkness.'

How did the internet initially react to the Washington Post's new slogan?

The internet initially reacted by making fun of the slogan, suggesting it sounded too dark and proposing lighter alternatives.

What was the purpose of the Superbowl campaign ad by the Washington Post?

The Superbowl campaign ad was created to promote the Washington Post's slogan and emphasize the importance of knowledge and a free press.

Why did the Superbowl ad receive a high number of dislikes on YouTube?

The high number of dislikes on the Superbowl ad can be attributed to viewers expressing their criticism of the media ownership concentration, rather than the message of the ad itself.

What is the significance of the slogan 'Democracy dies in darkness' in the context of media ownership?

The slogan signifies the importance of a free press and the role of journalism in keeping democracy alive, despite the concentration of media ownership in the hands of a few corporations.

How has the structure of media ownership changed from 1993 to the time of the script?

From 1993 to the time of the script, the structure of media ownership has seen a reduction from around 50 corporations owning over 90% of US media to just 5 corporations.

What technological advancement has allowed for a true change in media according to the script?

The internet has allowed for a true change in media by enabling reliance on less traditional processes and structures, empowering audiences, and facilitating the creation of independent media outlets.

What is the difference between the consumption of a product and the use of a service in the context of media?

Consumption of a product refers to paying for a one-time purchase, like a newspaper or a music album. Use of a service involves a subscription model, where users pay a recurring fee for continuous access to content or information, as seen with Netflix and Spotify.

How do Netflix and Spotify exemplify the transition from product consumption to service usage?

Netflix and Spotify have transitioned from offering physical products, such as DVDs and music albums, to providing digital streaming services where users pay a monthly fee for unlimited access to content.

What role do blockchain, Big Data, and artificial intelligence play in the potential future of media according to the script?

Blockchain, Big Data, and artificial intelligence are seen as contributing factors to the disruptive future of media, potentially enabling more efficient information gathering, processing, and distribution, as well as the creation of personalized content.

What is the potential impact of AI on the creation of news stories as suggested in the script?

The script suggests that AI could automate the process of writing news stories, potentially reducing the need for human journalists and allowing for instant reporting on events detected through various data sources.