Final answer:
The power of traditional media platforms like television, radio, and newspapers has been redefined in the digital age, with the Internet introducing new media that offers on-demand access to information. Digital consumption of news has increased, leading to a decline in traditional print media and creating more diverse avenues for public discourse and political engagement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Media platforms such as television, radio, newspapers, and the Internet wield significant power in shaping public perception and providing various opportunities. However, they also face unique challenges in the digital era. Television has evolved from local and network broadcasts to include cable, satellite, and streaming services, giving viewers on-demand access and a variety of choices, which impacts advertising and scheduling practices.
Radio, while still widely used, competes with online streaming platforms that offer personalized content. Newspapers have seen a decline in print circulation as more people, especially younger audiences, turn to the Internet to access news. This digital shift, as reported by the Pew Research Center, indicates that from 2004 to 2012, the percentage of Americans getting news from digital sources rose from 24% to 39%.
The Internet, including new media such as blogs, social media, and video-sharing platforms, has revolutionized the way information is shared and consumed. It enables immediate communication, public discussion, and a vast array of choices for information about world events, leading to social homogenization and fragmentation. Despite the power of traditional media diminishing, it still plays an essential role in informing the public and setting agendas.
The landscape for media access is ever-changing, and its effects are seen in the political sphere where media access is critical for candidates. With the pervasiveness of social media and other digital platforms, the influence of traditional gatekeepers has lessened, changing the relationship between the media, citizens, and the government.