No Surprise

I stopped reading my local newspaper in physical format a while ago.  A physical paper did not add any benefit to me and the lack of searching was certainly a drawback, so I just dumped the actual paper.  And while I still read the web version from time-to-time, I actually get most of my news from newsfeeds from over 200 sources via a newsfeed reader (I use Google Reader).

The Suprise

Print media is one thing - I think we all know it is dying - but what I have been surprised by is how much new media has replaced my audio/video news consumption. Sure, the internet is now my primary source for audio/video entertainment, but I was shocked when I realized that the TV/radio are no longer my primary source for news.  Instead, I listen to podcasts and live video streams as my primary source of audio/video news.  

One reason is that, on the internet, I can tailor my news to my tastes.  I listen to a lot of general tech news, programmer specific news as well as financial news.  But I also get to listen to what used to be called “news magazines” that really capture my imagination.  I love This American Life and Radio Lab.  Two very different types of shows, but both with informative and interesting long-form news pieces.

Recognition

I do recognize that some of the podcasts I listen to are actually radio shows converted for web consumption.  But the fact remains I do not listen to them on the radio at all.  And while some of these podcasts are sourced from radio material, over 75% of the podcasts I listen to are internet-only.  The world of information has dramatically changed.

I still listen to live radio and TV, but not that much.  What do I listen live?  Traffic, weather and headlines for local news.  Frankly that is all available online, as well, but I feel like I have to throw a bone to the old guard.  ;-)

Farewell old media…  I, for one, welcome my new media overlords.

How about you?