media update’s Talisa Jansen van Rensburg gives you a glimpse into what the future of the media industry holds for South Africans.
Regardless of whether you work in media or simply consume content, it is
vital to ensure you are equipped with knowledge surrounding the changes that will take place in the near future.
Being well informed allows you to make educated decisions in terms of how to adapt to the changes that will be brought forward by the 4IR and COVID-19.
Here are three types of media that will be impacted by these events:
1. Radio
The 4IR will allow people living in rural areas to be introduced to new technology, which is why radio stations need to take steps to ensure that they stay relevant during a time of such rapid technological changes.
Many people have started to make use of different platforms to get the information they need about current events. For example, many South Africans are heading to YouTube to hear the president’s national address about COVID-19 instead of switching on the radio.
This means that stations will need to be innovative and look at keeping people informed by partnering up with local television or web shows in order to maintain listeners’ interest. Although this might make the 4IR seem daunting for the radio industry, if managed correctly, it will
definitely benefit from it.
So what is the impact of COVID-19 on the radio industry? There is
some good news for radio stations since the pandemic broke out. While South Africans are in lockdown, stations were concerned that people might not listen to radio as often anymore. But, a recent survey by
Jacaranda FM and
East Coast Radio found that “
over 40% [of listeners] at each station said they were consuming more radio than they did before.”
Listening to the radio, even while being at home, gives constant access to updates on news regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, it is clear why people
still listen to radio, even when they are not stuck in traffic; they want to be informed about current situations in the country and getting that information via radio is easy
and convenient.
2. Online news channels
Currently, online news channels are doing
extremely well, because more and more people are consuming news online instead of via TV. And with the 4IR providing opportunities for South Africans to get in touch with technology and the changes that these advances bring, more people will have access to the Internet and will be able to catch up on news about the country.
“
One of the greatest promises of the 4IR is the potential to improve the quality of life for the world's population and raise income levels,” says Bernard Marr, a contributor at Forbes. This means that, due to 4IR, online news channels might soon reach people that live in the rural areas, where they will be able to educate them on what the current circumstances in the country are and ensure that everyone stays informed.
So what is the impact of COVID-19 on the news? Well, in a previous
media update article, Aisling McCarthy said: “
While the pandemic is putting huge pressure on newsrooms, journalists and distributors, there is one sphere of the industry that has greatly benefitted from the crisis:
online news channels.”
Although no one
really wants to say it out loud, the
coronavirus has been great for online traffic. People want to be informed about the issues and changes that this pandemic has brought, and news channels have been giving them exactly that.
3. Social media
The 4IR carries great news for brands that are present on social media. This is because it allows more and more people to become connected and engaged online, as the technology advances. These new technologies give social media platforms an
incredible opportunity to develop new and exciting things for users.
For example, Instagram filters utilise augmented reality, which allows people to try on different filters. Some filters give you a full face of makeup where other filters enhance some of your features. This allows people to create content and enjoy the time spent on the platform.
Social media platforms that make use of augmented reality creates excitement for the user, wanting them to come back for more.
With people being stuck at home (
thanks, Coronavirus), social media influencers and platforms have gained an opportunity to collaborate with one another and build up a bigger following, as well as entertain people.
With many experiencing anxiety and feeling lonely, people are spending more time on social media than ever before — and it’s actually helping.Social will continue to rise in importance as a media channel and it might even start to become a place where people
will want to find news and information. Take t
he World Health Organization (WHO), for instance. With 5.1 million followers on Instagram many people go to the organisation’s page to get information regarding COVID-19 and how to deal with it.
WHO also puts out posts that address concerns such as whether or not COVID-19 can be spread by touching money and how to grocery shop safely during the pandemic.
What else do you think the future of the media industry holds for South Africa? Let us know in the comments section below.
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*Image courtesy of Pixabay