A major win for the virtual medium

Ashton Kutcher’s win over CNN for the 1 million followers is the wake up call that the media needs in understanding the next generation of information dissemination. Being accessible at all times of the day and when a user wants is a major feature that should be recognised. With viral videos and youtube showing breaking news or human interest stories uploaded by users, the news industry surely has to see that it is giving them an opportunity for branching out and reaching more than just their target group.

Witnessing the win by Ashton (due to his live broadcasting via the internet) is a pivotal moment in history making, as it is the global voicing that Corporate giants aren’t the ones going to disseminate information to the masses. Sitting on the edge of my seat and being caught up in the tension and anticipation is one memory and feeling that will stay with me. Not only was I pleased at the core ethic behind the win, but also of that of his humility and graciousness about how he won and that the money being donated was to help prevent malaria from being spread through populations that don’t have the cure dispersed.

Only time will tell as to how the industry will receive such a enmasse voicing. Personally I hope it heralds a new wave of freedom of the press in a responsible manner. As surely a medium that is able to gain the attention of the world can be used to educate and raise awareness of issues affecting not only small towns but globally.

Whatever happens next I wish Ashton all the best as he continues to campaign and educate people about causes for which he is passionate.