Evolution of Media Technology

  • Fireside Chats

    Fireside Chats
    1933-1944
    President Franklin D. Roosevelt would often speak to the public via radio. These "Fireside Chats" became popular and were well recieved by the public. Speaking through the radio allowed the President to reach millions as they sat in their homes.
  • Home Television

    Home Television
    1950s
    The television was now a popular home appliance. While there were only a few channels being broadcasted, thousands were glued to the new technology.
  • First Televised Presidential Debate

    First Televised Presidential Debate
    The first televised debate for the presidency changed history. Now, people were more concerned with what the candidates looked like, rather than what they knew. Also, more people became involved with politics and were more aware of what was going on.
  • Video Chatting

    Video Chatting
    1930-1970
    THe wide span use of video chatting/video canferencing allows people to connect in a more personal way. Now, with the availibility on mobile phones, people can see other parts of the world while sitting at home.
  • Invention of the Cell Phone

    Invention of the Cell Phone
    In 1983, the cell phone was invented. Now, people could be reached in other placed besides their home. Even though it did not take off right away, the advancement of the cell phone has led to the ability to be connected anywhere, anytime.
  • Laptop

    Laptop
    1980s-1990s
    The personal laptop gained widespread attention with its ability to be carried around, yet work like a computer. As time went on, the laptop became something almost every student had. It allows access to the internet, email, social networks and more, creating a web of millions of people.
  • Blogs

    Blogs
    Blogs allow strong influencial forces to post to the internet and have followers read what they have to say. Blogs are a good way to convey raw information in an informal setting.
  • Camcorder

    Camcorder
    The invention of the hand held video camrra allowed people to buy their own camcorder. Now owners could video tape their own content and show it to others. In this way, you no longer had to be a massive news station for people to see your content.
  • e-Mail

    e-Mail
    e-Mail allows people to easily communicate quickly. News spreads fast and efficiently. Now, people have the ability to subscribe to news and media outlets allowing them to get updates often.
  • Development of Text Messaging

    Development of Text Messaging
    Text messaging had been in the works for years before it came to the mobile platform. Now, almost every phone had the ability to text, and almost every American does. Texting allows the communication of short (or long) messages. Information can be spread far and wide for very little cost and in very little time.
  • Times Square Electronic Billboards

    The display of electronic billboards allows companies and the media to advertise on a screen that can adapt to their needs. Multiple stories can be shown throughout the day, and people don't even have to buy anything to see them.
  • Google

    Google
    Google allows people to quickly search through trillions of pieces of information.
  • Smartphones

    Smartphones
    In the early and mid-2000s, the widespread adoption of smartphones became aparent. More people now had access to internet and social media in their hands 24/7. Media outlets gained the ability to alert people of events as they happened.
  • Remote Television Broadcast

    Remote Television Broadcast
    In the early 2000s, News stations gained the ability to transmit HDTV signals wirlessly. This allowed new stations to wirelessly boradcast a story on location live.
  • Invention of Facebook

    Invention of Facebook
    Facebook allows for the connection of bilions of people such as twitter. Users can share posts and pictures, and also follow others.
  • YouTube

    YouTube
    YouTube is essentially a mass news network. People can post videos from entertainment to serious news coverasge. With viewers able to view for free, there is a wide range of viewers.
  • Twitter

    Twitter
    Twitter allows millions of people to connect and stay up to date with everything. People no longer have to watch the news, listen to the radio, or read a long article. All it takes is 140 charecters and people are minimally aware of what is going on in the world or across the hall.
  • DVR

    DVR
    DVR allows people to not only record TV shows, but the news. The morning news can be watched when you get home from work, and can be saved for however you would like.
  • New York Times Website

    New York Times Website
    New York Times is now available online, allowing users to access the news with portable devices.
  • New York Times iPhone App

    New York Times iPhone App
  • iPad

    iPad
    With the iPad, people have the power of the internet and social media with a device thats even more portable than a laptop.
  • Instagram

    Instagram
    Instagram now allows a more visual representation of what is going on in the world, giving users the ability to post pictures.
  • Snapchat

    Snapchat
    Snapchat is becomming more and more popular, allowing users to share short bits of information over picture.
  • Cell Phone Notifications

    Cell Phone Notifications
    Cell phones now give people the ability to have themselves notified when something happens. Almost immediatly, a persons phone can tell them when a significant event has taken place.
  • Media Apps

    Media Apps
    Now on many mobile phones, users can find hundreds of media apps, from CNN to enerteinment news. This way, people are constantly being fed stories, even when they are not in front of a TV.