The Convergence Years

Abstract

The emergence of the Internet, social media, and digital technologies in the twenty-first century accelerated an evolution in journalism and communication that fit under the broad term of convergence. That evolution changed the relationship between news producers and consumers. It broke down the geographical boundaries in defining our communities, and this change forced new organizational and economic models for news and information. This retrospective on twelve years of Convergence and Society conferences devoted to research and practices reveals a set of lessons for journalism educators. Convergence began to encompass multiple dimensions from collaboration across media outlets to the integrated use of multiple media in collecting and delivering information. It has brought about the rise of emerging neo-communities not confined by place. Despite the upheaval from new technologies, mass media in general have successfully adapted. But to keep pace, those who teach and practice journalism and mass communication must implement sustainable innovation.