Television is it become Obsolete???

I realize that studies have been done and polls taken to find some sort of conclusion as to whether or not television is becoming obsolete, because of the internet. We’ve even read in class various authors such as Henry Jenkins whose developed theories that we’ve compared with our own opinions on how we use media sources and the effects they have on each other. By doing so it’s allowed me to gain a better understanding that the internet isn’t necessarily taking away from television, but giving it a different purpose.

People are watching less television, because they have busy schedules in addition to using new technologies like the internet that provide a greater amount of information. I know personally I don’t watch television unless it is a show I really enjoy, or if someone else has it on in the background while at college. But, otherwise when my life is less hectic I try to make relaxation time for watching the television programs. That doesn’t mean I’m spending more time online. Like I’ve stated in previous posts I do use the internet frequently to look up information, check email, or talk to friends, however usually its school related, or planning a face-to-face meeting. This shows the connection between the internet, and how people are using it to increase face-to-face communication as well as researching.

In an article I read called, “Americans spending more time watching TV, listening to radio, surfing Internet” I found that “Americans seem to be spending less time in quiet contemplation,” (OHLEMACHER 1). I agree with this observation not only because I see it in my own life, but since I find more and more of the people I know talking online to a person in another room while watching television. Perhaps multitasking the usage of these media sources shows that people still are using television in addition to the internet, which increases media consumption overall. However, the main observation is that people are using new forms of technology to communicate, access information, and that the relationship between the two sources is stronger than ever.

Television is still playing a strong role in media usage. In Henry Jenkins article, “Photoshop for Democracy,” discusses the purpose television is playing in presidential campaigns. He states that, “Candidates may build their base on the Internet but they need television to win elections,” (Jenkins 213). In the past it’s been true. Howard Dean’s campaign was strong on the internet through fundraising and reaching the public. But, he used all of the money, and resulted in lacking when it came to a strong television advertisement campaign, and reaching the undecided voters. Jenkins, has found that, “the internet reaches the hard core, television the undecided,” Howard Dean’s campaign proves exactly that (Jenkins 213). Since he didn't use television advertisments to the best of his extent the undecided vote probably hurt more than helped his campaign.

Overall my findings are leaning in the direction that the internet and television have a strong correlation when it comes to campaigning. I hope to understand further the reasons as to why, and perhaps what the outcome of the 2008 presidential election will have to do with the candidate’s usage of each type of media.