This past Wednesday Apple fans were able to see what they have dreamed about for so long – the iPad. Apple held an event to announce the new tablet and it seemed as though every media outlet reported on it. More importantly was the amount of Twitter, Facebook and Blog posts and write-ups about the new device. This led me to think; is the face of Traditional Media changing?

Traditional Media

Up to a few years ago the most reliable and trusted sources for news appeared on your nightly news or in your morning paper. Over the past few years there has been a shift in who is delivering the news and in what format. Bloggers, Facebook and Twitter users are becoming the go to source to your news feed of the day. I for one have seen more news on Twitter over the past year than on TV or that I have read in the daily paper. By following specific people on Twitter I hear about things that interest me. The great thing about some Twitter users is they really let their personality shine through in a way that makes you want to hear more from that person. You can almost compare this to a popular anchorman or woman that has a cult like following.

New Media

Pete Cashmore – @mashable is a popular Blogger and Twitter user. He is a writer (among other things) for the Social Media world. He is considered a trusted and reliable source for news. He has almost 2 million followers on his verified Twitter account. He can also be seen on TV, online and presents at many tech events. His company Mashable employs a team of skilled and professional writers that contribute to the web site with daily postings. Pete is just one of many stars of this news format that is quickly taking over Traditional Media.

Traditional Media was a closed club. Not everyone was allowed to play or play at the highest level of anchorman. But New Media has leveled the playing field and allowed the common Joe to become a news reporter. Am I saying that Journalism is no longer relevant? Of course not. I have great respect for Journalists. What I am saying is that more and more people are accustomed to quick nuggets of information.

When the earthquake occurred in Haiti CNN News was publishing images from Twitter users who had uploaded images from their mobile phones. CNN just wasn’t able to mobilize quick enough. And that there is the rub. Social Media and the viral Web means millions of people with Internet access can report anything they see. They can record it and then can publish it. There are no Editors and no fact checkers.

With that warning in mind, I would love to see some closer integration between the professional execution of Traditional Media with the timeliness of New Media. Together, we can create an evolved version of what used to be a great moment in News. I harken back to the days of the radio with everyone gathered ’round- now we’re all just staring at our iPhones and laptops waiting for next shoe to drop via our Twitter feeds.

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