LO2 Multiplatform distribution (P3)

Henry Jenkins (2008) talks about his conception of convergence culture which is the product of new and old media along with implications of convergence culture. Jenkins discusses topics like grass roots creativity, transmedia story telling (multiplatform distribution), how consumers and media producers interact between multiple channels. Technological convergence allows multiple single elements like television, telephone, video which all used to be separate things to Integrate into  a single device known as a black box device, an example of this is the smartphone in which you can make audio and video calls across the world, stream video's, send messages and emails, take photographs, listen to radio etc. This is beneficial for radio because it gives greater capabilities at a lower cost. Whilst broadcasting the main tools used are the microphone and camera (more specifically microphone for radio) before technological convergence these were both analog format meaning they would had to have been stored on tape and CD, however since digital sound technology they can now be easily and efficiently stored digitally, the main advantages of this for radio is how easily content can be recorded and stored, it also means that recording don’t degrade over time and that data which is stored can be compressed therefore producing more broadcast channel capacity. Microphones can also be converged with digital technology systems which can be remotely controlled, a benefit of this is that it is less work for someone to do as they can basically control themselves which in return reduces cost and increases operation efficiency. Another advantage for radio is that signals can be directly sent to the internet and world wide web applications which allows high powered web audio systems for efficient web casting. Another benefit is that microphones are getting increasingly smaller and compact but also becoming increasingly more powerful whilst staying cheap which leads to better production at a lower cost for radio stations. 

I Would use different platforms and distribution methods such as Digital broadcasts (DAB) Streaming websites, Mobile devices, Radio this is because our radio show is quite contemporary and has a young target audience therefore they are going to be more likely to access and interact with my radio show if its on platforms and available in places they are familiar with, this is similar to the coast to coast AM radio show I analysed because you can access them on social media and on websites where they broadcast. they have a very similar target audience to my radio show because the content is along the same lines of interesting but laid back easy listening debates and conversations. 

Multiplatform distribution  allows people to access and wide range of media content from different sources, This is a very effective way of allowing people to choose the media source that they prefer, but also at a time of their liking. Also increases the interactivity and participation of the audience, as they can comment, share, and create their own content (Prosumer) on social media and gives them more influence. Web 2.0 is a good example of this where sites allow users to interact and contribute to the page rather than just view it. A blog works in that way where a group of people are able discuss a certain subject, sharing thoughts/information, feelings or knowledge, either in a public or private platform. therefore reaching broader audience groups thereby expanding its audience base without spending large amounts of additional money. You can have social media on numerous platforms like Instagram, Facebook, twitter therefore reaching as broader audience as possible. The benefits for the audience being that they are able to almost instantly be updated on any new audio-visual content or information . They can access it immediately via a wide range of Black box devices. An advantage of technological convergence is that is allows multiple tasks to be performed on a single device and makes it possible to save energy. Being able to multi task on a single device also means performance and productivity increases meaning you can be very optimal in work places etc. A few companies or conglomerates that have benefited from technological convergence are ITV, Disney, BBC, and many more this means that for example if you wanted to listen to the radio all you would have to do is open your Phone, TV, game Console, and listen immediately. Technological convergence has allowed technologies that where originally unrelated to become integrated which has many benefits it allows for the integration of multiple technologies into one device, which can increase efficiency and convenience. another benefit regarding the production stages is that it can streamline the production process by allowing for multiple steps to be completed on one device which increases productivity and reduce costs.

Due to technological convergence you can listen to Coast to Coast AM via KSNI AM 1450 & FM 99.3 in St. Cloud, MN. Another way to access it which a lot of people prefer is by downloading the IheartMedia app or Spotify and find the radio station its on (PremierNetworks) and others.