The discussion of how big name newspapers are going out of busineses is a disheatening one. Being a Broadcast comm major, and a Print Journalism minor, I have heard the lecture multiple tiems. We are also seeing television stations, and especailly radio stations, slice jobs as well. Even if the cause is websites like Youtube or Pandora stealing their viewing or listening audience, tv and radio stations have no excuse for not adapting to the media environment, and making the necessary changes (many already have made some).
I think newspapers, tv stations, and radio stations should look at the cell phone companies as a perfect example of how to appropriatly adapt to the changing media world. I mean think about it. With the rise in online chats, scype, etc. phone companies could have easily gone under. Think about the multiple ways it is "easier" to communicate than conventional talking. A quick email, a post on facebook, when AIM was big you could talk to someone there. There are also video chats that are much cheaper than a phone call. With labtops becoming lighter and more portable, it seems like there wouldn't be much of a use for cell phones, or phones for that matter. Everything could be done by computer
Cell phone companies, however, have more than adjusted in recent years. Texting was created. Applications on different phones allow people more freedom. Internet is accessible through a cell phone. Phone plans have become cheaper. Cell phones have become more user friendly by design ( think of how big and clunky they were just ten years ago).
Cell phones have counter act the advancements in computers and the internet with their own development. In many cases, the cell phone is our personal "sidekick." The fact that the cell phone has developed from its original landline has allowed not only to be as successful, but at times be our main source of, well everything.....news, directions, games, whatever there is an "app for that! Here is a student written article that depicts this development....
http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2004/09/09-17-04tdc/09-17-04dnews-11.aspThe bottome line: how can other forms of media develop and floursih the way the cell phone has. My idea for newspapers is they become more accessible to the technological savy young people. How about an application on a phone that delivers the newspaper and its original form right to your phone? Or a daily email of a newspaper, adds and all. Cars are now coming out with wifi, and there are ways to get tv channels on your computer. Political and news talk shows are creating podcasts, and samples of their shows online. Ideas like these are great, but they are only good if stations can get sponsors online. I think with the growing popularity in online viewing that won't be a problem in the future.