Understanding Media Convergence

On our contemporary media landscape, the potential of the written word is limitless. Repurposing print journalism for the Internet and beyond, convergent journalism invigorates and transforms how we create and experience media. A vital new resource in our digital age, Understanding Media Convergence outlines and investigates the broad theoretical and conceptual issues surrounding this emergent subject. Bringing together incisive work by some of the leaders in the field--including Janet Kolodzy, Bob Papper, Kenneth Killebrew, and Charles Bierbauer--editors August E. Grant and Jeffrey S. Wilkinson have selected readings that introduce readers to this provocative subject and provide a strong framework for inquiry. Through its dynamic and diverse voices, this compelling anthology * outlines the various types of convergence and their theoretical underpinnings * presents real-world case studies that show convergent journalism in action * investigates the democracy of weblogs * provides insight into convergence by applying feminist theory, organizational culture, and management theory * concludes with a discussion of the future of convergent journalism These essays expand and underscore the practical techniques put forth in Grant and Wilkinson's textbook, Principles of Convergent Journalism, and the contributors offer a fascinating look at the controversies, constraints, and possibilities of media convergence. Essential for advanced journalism students, scholars, and professional journalists, Understanding Media Convergence sheds light on the future of the media--and the transformations that will affect us all.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements Introduction: Dimensions of Media Convergence, August E. Grant 1. The State of Convergence Journalism Revisited: Newspapers Take the Lead, Camille Keaeplin & Carrie Anna Criado 2. Convergence Explained: Playing Catch-up with New Consumers, Janet Kolodzy 3. Middletown Media Studies II: Observing Consumer Interactions with Media, Robert A. Papper, Michael E. Holmes, & Mark N. Popovich 4. The Converged Audience: Receiver-Senders and Content Creators, Jeffrey S. Wilkinson, Steven R. McClung, & Varsha A. Sherring 5. Media Convergence and the Neo-Dark Age, Van Kornegay 6. Converging Communication, Colliding Cultures: Shifting Boundaries and the Meaning of "Our Field", Jeffrey S. Wilkinson 7. Culture, Conflict, and Convergence: A Theoretical Discussion of Group-based Identity and Bias Reduction in a Converged Newsroom, Vincent F. Filak 8. Developing Media Managers for Convergence: A Study of Management Theory and Practice for Managers of Converged Newsrooms, Holly A. Fisher 9. A Feminist Perspective on Convergence, August E. Grant, Jennifer H. Meadows, & Elizabeth Jordan Storm 10. On Linkages and Levels: Using Theory to Assess the Effect of Converged Structures on News Products, George L. Daniels 11. The Meaning and Influence of Convergence: A Qualitative Case Study of Newsroom Work at the Tampa News Center, Michael Dupagne & Bruce Garrison 12. News Convergence Arrangements in Smaller Media Markets, Tony DeMars 13. Beyond the "Tower of Babel": Ideas for Future Research in Media Convergence, Susan Keith & B. William Silcock 14. Web Logs: Democratizing Media Production, Bryan Murley 15. Global Aspects of Convergence, Kenneth C. Killebrew 16. Tracks, Silos, and Elevators: Postsecondary Convergence Journalism Education in the United States, Timothy E. Bajkiewicz 17. The Future of Media Convergence, Charles Bierbauer Contributors Index

About the Author :
August E. Grant is Associate Professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of South Carolina and editor of Communication Technology Update. Jeffrey S. Wilkinson is Professor and Coordinator of the International Journalism Programme at United International College (Zhuhai, China), founded jointly by Beijing Normal University and Hong Kong Baptist University.

Review :
"The major strength of this book is that it's a first. Convergence is perhaps the biggest issue facing journalism and mass media. I need this book."--Ralph Braseth, University of Mississippi "The overall approach is perfect for a seminar course. The material is definitely suitable for upper-level students and researchers. Convergence is definitely an area that deserves attention and inclusion in a mass communication curriculum. I would recommend it as a good source of relevant information about converging and emerging media."--Colin Pillow, Arkansas State University "The text presents an impressive list of topics that are written by an impressive list of authors. Simply put, I want to own a copy of this book."--Larry Dailey, University of Nevada, Reno "This is a very active area of study where a publication of this sort does not exist. Serious researchers need this book. It would also be of benefit to graduate students and advanced undergraduates. The strength of this book is how it pulls all the different aspects of convergence together in one place. The approach is logical and takes the reader through the various aspects of the literature. This text is the starting point for convergence research."--Richard Landesburg, Elon University "The major strength of this book is that it's a first. Convergence is perhaps the biggest issue facing journalism and mass media. I need this book."--Ralph Braseth, University of Mississippi "The overall approach is perfect for a seminar course. The material is definitely suitable for upper-level students and researchers. Convergence is definitely an area that deserves attention and inclusion in a mass communication curriculum. I would recommend it as a good source of relevant information about converging and emerging media."--Colin Pillow, Arkansas State University "The text presents an impressive list of topics that are written by an impressive list of authors. Simply put, I want to own a copy of this book."--Larry Dailey, University of Nevada, Reno "This is a very active area of study where a publication of this sort does not exist. Serious researchers need this book. It would also be of benefit to graduate students and advanced undergraduates. The strength of this book is how it pulls all the different aspects of convergence together in one place. The approach is logical and takes the reader through the various aspects of the literature. This text is the starting point for convergence research."--Richard Landesburg, Elon University "On the whole, this edited book offers a concise, powerful set of perspectives on media convergence. More than simple evangelizing, Understanding Media Convergence provides a critical examination of the nature and impact of this force rewriting the media landscape in the twenty-first century both in the United States and around the world."--John V. Pavlik, Journalism & Mass Communication Educator