I interviewed Louisa Ha, Ph.D., professor in the School of Media and Communications at Bowling Green State University in the U.S. state of Ohio, to discuss the rapidly evolving mass media industry. She is the Founding-Editor-in-Chief of Online Media and Global Communication, and also the former editor of Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly, the flagship journal of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. She is the founder and chair of the Emerging Media Research Cluster in the School of Media and Communication.
Her vast research expertise includes misinformation, social media influencers, online videos, new media business models, social and mobile media use, international conflicts and comparative communication, online and international advertising, and audience habits.
This conversation explores the impact of new media on traditional media, focusing on the emergence of influencers and the loss of trust in traditional channels. Brian and Louisa discuss the characteristics of successful influencers and the challenges faced by traditional media companies in adapting to new platforms. The conversation also delves into the fragmentation of media channels and the future of media business models as well as the influence of advertisers, the spread of propaganda, and the responsibility of newly minted influencers.
A few key takeaways from this episode include:
- Successful influencers possess perceived authenticity and the ability to connect with their audience.
- The fragmentation of media channels and the rise of social media have led to a more personalized and niche media landscape.
- Companies must adapt their business models to the changing media landscape, with a focus on content quality and audience engagement.
- Content moderation and social responsibility are crucial in addressing the spread of misinformation and propaganda.
- Advertisers play a significant role in shaping media content and revenue models.
- The future of media lies in promoting positive values and responsible content creation.
- Social media platforms have become battlegrounds for information warfare, requiring careful regulation and collaboration between stakeholders.
- Television is no longer the primary medium for younger generations, who rely on social media and personal news shared by friends.
- The next big trend in media consumption is the need for trusted information sources that are easily accessible and understandable in a fast-paced environment.
- Micro communities outside of big cities are staying connected and engaged through online platforms like Facebook groups, but physical contact and community events still play a role.
Chapters of interest if you want to reference back include:
- 01:01 The Emergence of Influencers
- 02:19 Loss of Trust in Traditional Media
- 03:29 Characteristics of Successful Influencers
- 06:22 Impact of New Media Channels
- 08:13 Fragmentation of Media Channels
- 09:58 Adapting to New Media Platforms
- 11:06 Success of Streaming Services
- 12:20 Challenges for Companies like Amazon
- 14:44 Business Models for Media Companies
- 16:58 The Future of Media Business Models
- 17:27 Consumer Behavior and Media Usage
- 19:17 Adapting to New Media Realities
- 20:55 Government and Media in the Digital Age
- 21:38 The Impact of Time Shifting
- 22:13 Longevity of Content in the Digital Age
- 23:41 Maximizing the Shelf Life of Content
- 25:22 Targeting Teens and Pre-Teens
- 26:21 Regulating Content for Young Audiences
- 27:48 Content Moderation and Social Responsibility
- 29:09 The Influence of Advertisers
- 29:34 Balancing Free Speech and Content Moderation
- 32:22 Addressing Propaganda and Information Warfare
- 34:19 The Role of Influencers in Propaganda
- 36:05 Business Models for Media Companies
- 38:06 Promoting Positive Content and Values
- 40:58 The Role of Advertisers in Content Creation
- 41:29 Social Media and Information Warfare
- 42:22 The Influence of Social Media in Conflicts
- 44:18 The Power of Social Media in Shaping Opinions
- 45:40 The Future of Media According to Students
- 49:50 Changing Perception of Television
- 50:43 The Next Big Trend in Media Consumption
- 52:41 The Role of Local News in Micro Communities
To learn more about Louisa:
- Websites: Bowling Green State Univesity profile and https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Louisa-Ha
- Book: The U.S.–China Trade War: Global News Framing and Public Opinion in the Digital Age (US–China Relations in the Age of Globalization)
- X: https://twitter.com/louisahabgsu?lang=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisa-ha-a8454b2
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louisa.ha.395/
This interview is just a conversation starter, I invite you to join in and share this episode with your personal and professional network. Listen to the interview, then give me your perspective. You can also find the latest show preview clips on my YouTube Channel. I encourage you to subscribe to the channel, share the clips and leave your comments.
Question for Brian? Email: info@brianjmatos.com or DM on X @BrianJMatos or find Brian on your favorite social media platform.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Recent Comments