Convergence Culture

Convergence Culture

Burakhan Varol

What does ‘Convergence’ mean?

What is ‘Convergence Culture’?

Convergence culture is the idea that media combines together into one

Bringing together old and new media with in one single creation.

Example: users can watch TV on the internet

Henry Jenkins says:

“We are entering an era where media will be everywhere,

and we will use all kinds of media in relation to one another...”

“There will never be one black box controlling media”

Five Processes of Convergence CultureTechnological ConvergenceEconomic ConvergenceSocial or Organic

ConvergenceCultural ConvergenceGlobal Convergence

Technological Convergence

The digitisation of all media content. Words, images and sounds are transformed into digital

information. For example, a mobile phone is expected to make and receive

calls and text messages. However, as the technology has evolved, phones can take pictures, record video, play games, access the internet, and can be used as mp3 players.

It is the convergence of many media technologies allowing one media product to perform many different tasks.

Mobile Phone:

Make phone calls

Email

Listen to music

Access the internet

Watch movies/TV

Play games

PC/Laptop:Internet,Play gamesOnline chat CustomisablePlays musicWork stationWatch movies and TV

Examples from Turkey

Economic Convergence

Economic convergence is the integration of the entertainment industry. Companies as Sony have interests in film, TV, books, games, the internet, music, etc.

This is resulting in the transmedia exploitation of branded properties. All have other forms of media associated with the original product, in order to expand the potential audience and saturate the market.

Economic Convergence

This is the linking of companies to media for example Time Warner controls books, games, web, music.

This has seen the release of such things as Harry Potter, Pokémon and Tomb Raider which are well known for their books, games and films.

Social or Organic Convergence

When users utilise multiple media technologies simultaneously, such as listening to music whilst watching TV or playing video games.

Jenkins believes that the social/organic converge process is what happens when people process information themselves/in their head.

Social or Organic Convergence

An example of organic convergence he uses in the text is a school kid watching baseball on television, listen to techno on he stereo, word processing a paper and writing an email to friends.

Cultural Convergence

When the 'audience' becomes the 'user'.

new media allows the user, watch, create, play, upload, share.

Companies tap this culture to foster consumer loyalty and generate low-cost content.

When media can be experienced on many different platforms for example films being downloaded, watched on games consoles, watched on TV or in the cinema.

Global Convergence

Thecultural hybridity thatdevelops from the international circulation of media content.

For example, Asian popular cinema intensely alters the entertainment coming out of Hollywood.

Furthermore, world music has grown due to media convergence on a global scale.

This is an example of the experience of being a citizen of the 'global village'.

Global Convergence With the new advancements in media technology it has become much simpler to view media from around the globe. Whereas before it would have been necessary to physically travel to a certain country to view their culture, with the use of the internet this is now possible in a few clicks.

Global Convergence

Conclusion These multiple forms of media convergence are

leading us toward a digital renaissance – a period of transition and transformation that will affect all aspects of our lives.

Media convergence is sparking a range of social, political, economic and legal disputes because of conflicting goals of consumers, producers and gatekeepers.

These contradictory forces are pushing towards cultural diversity, homogenization, commercialisation and towards grassroots cultural production.

-Henry Jenkins

“The digital renaissance will be the best of times and the worst of times, but a new cultural order will emerge from it...”

References "What Is Convergence culture?" by TKellet:

www.slideshare.net/TKellett/what-is-convergence-culture-5746895

"Convergence Culture" by p10539022: www.slideshare.net/p10539022/convergence-culture-5796256

"What is convergence culture" by naomigeorgiehannah: www.slideshare.net/naomigeorgiehannah/what-is-convergence-culture-5715668

"Convergence" by Jodie Mallett: www.slideshare.net/jodiemallett/convergence-5796432

"Convergence Culture - Henry Jenkins" by Mediaprodshj: www.slideshare.net/Mediaprodshj/convergence-culture-henry-jenkins

"What is convergence culture" by BCN1002: www.slideshare.net/BCN1002/what-is-convergence-culture-5749078

"Convergence Culture" by kpat09: www.slideshare.net/kpat09/convergence-culture-zallman-4pmthurs-krishanjakejake-5744875

"Convergence Culture" by Charis Creber: www.slideshare.net/CharisCreber/convergence-culture-12868892