From traditional media to new media

Traditional Media

Traditional media refers to media that were established before the internet; this includes radio, television, and print newspapers. From the 1990s onwards, with the arrival of digital technology, methods of “consuming and distributing information” evolved, forcing traditional media to adapt their content to remain close to their audiences and simply survive. As a result, print newspapers, radio, and television have structurally reinvented themselves by offering “online” versions as well as versions adapted for smartphones and tablets.

Despite these new ways of delivering information, the main purpose of traditional media remains the same: to disseminate the same information to a wide audience at the same time. It is up to the receiver to decide whether to pay particular attention to the information they receive.

These historical and traditional media, characterized by professional journalistic practices and a certain rigidity in formats (editorial constraints, periodicity), have their reputation as their main asset. Today, they are still considered a reliable source of information, especially in the face of news dissemination via social media.

Social Media

From 2004 onwards, new media actors appeared, competing with traditional media: social media (new media). These are digital platforms where content is user-generated, and where interaction between users is essential. This collaborative logic is specific to Web 2.0: previously spectators of web pages, users are now active participants. Among today’s most important social media are Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Snapchat, and LinkedIn.

Social media, which have become one of the main sources of information for the public, especially among young people, are distinguished by specific characteristics that profoundly transform the media environment.

First, these platforms encourage interaction: news programs are now designed to be commented on social media, particularly Twitter, which promotes the exchange of ideas and reflection. Social media also carry the power of instantaneity. Today, with tools like LiveTweet, users can follow an event live without attending. They know what happened long before the TV news images are broadcast.

Social media have also broken the monopoly on information production once held by traditional media. Platforms like Facebook allow anyone to witness an event and share it worldwide instantly. This practice gave rise to “citizen journalism”, making every social media user a potential information producer.

Information in the Digital Age: Risks and Opportunities

The rise of new digital forms of information (online news, blogs, Wikipedia, YouTube, social media, etc.) enables broader access to knowledge, freedom of expression, and citizen participation. Today, the coexistence of print, audiovisual, and online media across multiple platforms expands access to information and creates a participatory culture where citizens not only consume information but actively contribute to its production and dissemination.

The main risk in this renewed media landscape is disinformation. The massive use of social networks raises questions about the veracity of information. How credible is an individual commenting on a topic? Could they contribute to spreading confusion around fake news, making it even harder to distinguish truth from falsehood online? In this context, “traditional” journalism remains highly relevant. Its role in selecting, analyzing, and interpreting information remains essential.