Will those broadsheet newspapers die a slow death?

Yes. That’s the question in vogue now. New Media vs. The Old…

I have heard people discussing it time and again- this debate also rules almost all media / journalism workshops and work places.

Many have done research on different variants around the same thought. Let me provide you with some random examples of topics which came to my mind. Chew on…

a) Is there a difference between language used in online and traditional newspaper media

b) What are the User profiles of of users of online media like e-newspapers, blogs, etc versus the patrons of traditional media- most notably newspapers, radio, television and consequently

c) What does the survey of user profiles reflect?

d) Are there any scientific research projects undertaken to study whether and how the optics, linguistics, social and sexual behavior of the human race is becoming fine-tuned to the e-boom?

Several more research questions may arise once you start thinking on the New media vs. Old Media lines.

For example, am wondering now if the online media a cheaper option? Or rather that the online media is only the luxury of a richer class?… Which is the better option for advertising and marketing- new or traditional media ?

What’s more? Researches on the lines of such seemingly random musings may lead to new survial strategies for the traditional media while also providing the new media out of the box ideas about how to multiply their business…

To sum things up- Yes, online media is here in a major way and it is here to stay. But- and here’s the but again, but at the same time, I am sure people will not give up reading newspapers altogether. Simple logic- a hardcopy- be it the newspaper, book or greeting card is a much stronger emotional connect than the same counterparts of the online media… You can touch, hold or even smell the paper of the newspapers and books you are reading. Also perhaps, the scent of your girlfriend on the greeting card she sent.

Traditional media manipulate three senses- sight, touch and also smell to a certain extent, while the new media cash up almost entirely on sight and sound. Interesting as it might be, these facets of the new media often overplay themselves and are a put off to privacy seeking individuals who just want to read and respond to matter and advertisements of their choice. (Case in point- pop-up ads, online banners accompanying e-newspapers, compulsory ‘click to proceed’ commands on the internet, etc.)

The war between new media and the old will definitely culminate in the philosphy of ‘Survival of the Fittest’. Only the most powerful and most sound products of both the media will survive out of the countless fledglings born suddenly thanks to the new media boom…

What do you think? Feel free to post your comments and relevant links.