We are all being bombarded by multi-media options offered through virtually every device we own everywhere we are and in everything we do.
Historically we've relied on our TV for broadcast media and over the last decade the options of channels has exploded. From on demand programming for a fee to a proliferation of free programming. Our choices for access to every kind of genre of programming has become unlimited.
Distribution points of multi-media have also exploded. From our home televisions,computers, mobile devices, our automobiles, airplanes, boats and now the online social networks we frequent.
Consumer access through multiple channels of media has grown exponentially in the recent years. How the media organizes these offerings through the multiple devices or points of entry needs leadership in order to satisfy consumer demands to save time by simplifying the "system of access".
Convergence of channels and access protocols would drive up usage by making it easier to organize preferences regardless of point of entry and save time. An example of how current media is further expanding our choices yet not making access systemic is the recent announcement by Business Week (Sept 24th Issue) to launch their branded "Managing Channel". (see story below)
Sept 24th Edition: Your career. Your team. Your company. Your board of directors.
"Depending on where you are in your professional life, you have to manage one or more of these. And that's why BusinessWeek.com has launched the Managing Channel, with subchannels on Your Career, Your Team, Your Company, and Your Board of Directors."
"This new offering, led by Managing Channel Editor Patricia O'Connell, allows us to offer both broader and deeper coverage on all topics related to your work life."
"We have exclusive video from Jack and Suzy Welch, columns from such experts as leadership guru John C. Maxwell, executive coach Marshall Goldsmith, Bill George, author of True North, Rick Wartzman, director of The Drucker Institute, and Beverly Behan, managing director of the Hay group's Board Effectiveness Practice. Look for Bill Holstein's Armchair MBA, and Joe McCool's Headhunter Confidential. Content partners Harvard Business Publishing and Soundview Executive Book Summaries will help round out our offerings."
"The coolest features of all are our interactive case studies and multimedia classrooms that provide smart how-to advice for every practicing manager and board member. Our first case study zeroes in on a controversial management decision made by Procter & Gamble CEO A.G. Lafley, with an analysis from Noel Tichy, the leadership maven and University of Michigan professor. There are videos of both Lafley and Tichy, a reader poll, and a place for you to engage in the discussion of a real-life business case. Our multimedia classroom, meantime, will feature mini-lectures from experts in the field of management, strategy, and corporate governance, among other things."
"We're especially pleased to inaugurate this effort with a significant expansion of BusinessWeek's award-winning franchise, Best Places to Launch a Career, including community-building forums."
"In the weeks ahead, you'll see additional coverage on executive recruitment, crisis management, strategy and execution, and team building, just to name a few areas that we'll be covering in depth, and a database of the most influential headhunters in the world."
"Our goal: To make BusinessWeek.com/Managing the place that will give you an edge in the game of business."
Fox has also recently announced the launch of another channel called appropriately "The Fox Business Channel" to be offered via cable and internet access. Other major media brands are following form and soon we will be able to access all these channels regardless of our entry point and do so seamlessly.
Now consider all the user generated multi-media produced and distributed throughout the web in addition to the traditional media programming available through our televisions and internet. The universe of media has become overwhelming and all of it competing for our attention and time.
The networked Channel Guide
Envision a "channel guide" not to different than browsing the cable TV guide on your television but doing so using an organized taxonomy of interest by category of subject matter or other segmentation that is user friendly. Imagine seamless connectivity to your favorite channels regardless of device or location. Envision "Your Network Channel Guide" with customization features, alerts, interactive tools, group sharing and live "conferencing" of your networked contacts who share similar interest or affinity to selected channels and programs.
Technological advancements will unleash us from time wasting task and connect us to everything everywhere and through any device at anytime and anyplace. The time for this vision is just a click away and the vision will enable The Relationship Economy to become the fastest and most powerful movement of mankind in history. The possibilities of a connected world are limitless.
What say you?