What Is New Media? Definition, Career, And More

Since they revolutionized the way we used to communicate and disseminate information, various types of mass media, such as television, radio, and the press, have always been a crucial component of modern society. Groundbreaking social changes that otherwise would not have been possible were made possible by the mass media. 

New media — often known as multimedia or digital media — relies on digital means to communicate, as opposed to traditional media like print newspapers or television.

The one-way nature of print newspapers and TV advertisements, for instance, prevents users from developing personal relationships with companies and brands. What new media is, how it’s used, its commonalities and other topics will all be covered in this article.

What Is New Media?

New media are forms of media that are computational and rely on computers for redistribution. Some examples of new media are computer animations, computer games, human-computer interfaces, interactive computer installations, websites, and virtual worlds.

You’ve probably seen many different new media examples by now. Actually, new media includes this blog, which you are reading right now.

Social media, virtual worlds, or other web-based services could all be considered new media technologies, such as:

  • Podcasts
  • Websites
  • Internet ads
  • YouTube videos

New media’s ability to be stored, presented, and distributed via telecommunications networks distinguishes it from traditional media the most.

What Are Commonalities Of New Media?

1. Communication

New media technologies attempt to communicate with an audience, whether it be general or specific.

An internet ad, for instance, tries to explain the advantages of a brand-new product. 

2. Community

People can connect with one another through new media technologies based on shared interests.

An illustration of this is a social networking site that connects people who have similar interests.

3. Convergence

The convergence of numerous technologies is what is meant by new media.

A smartphone, for instance, combines various digital media, such as newspapers, music, TV, radio, cameras, and computers, into a single device. 

4. Collaboration

Users of new media may comment on, contribute to, and otherwise engage with works of media.

Example: a freely editable encyclopedia for the general public.

5. Creativity

Individuals are free to use new media in their own unique ways.

A YouTube creator, for instance, might spend hours creating visually stunning graphics for their videos.

Some New Media Examples

Here are a few new media examples that you may have already seen.

1. Website

A website, one of the most prevalent examples of new media technologies, can help a business connect with customers by enabling them to learn more about the company, place an order, or browse products. An enormous boost to brand identity can also come from having a website!

2. An Online Video Game

Players are interacting with new media when they connect online to slay dragons or battle aliens. These video games encourage players to interact, cooperate, and communicate while bringing people together in sometimes global ways. 

3. Youtube Series

This platform is well-liked for a reason. On YouTube, both individuals and organizations can create and share content that is geared toward a specific interest while also inviting comments from a larger community.  

New Media Careers List

Here are a few fascinating jobs in the industry.

Public Relations Specialist

Overview: The task of managing a company’s public image falls to PR experts. In order to change how the public perceives something, this may entail interacting with the news media and creating media content.

National salary range: As of May 2020, the BLS estimated that public relations specialists made between $35,350 and $118,210 annually.

Education requirements: Typically, candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, or communication.

Job outlook: According to the BLS, the employment of public relations specialists is expected to increase 11% between 2020 and 2030.

Market Research Analyst

Overview: Market research analysts, per BLS, conduct studies of market conditions to assist businesses in determining the goods or services that consumers are interested in, thereby boosting potential sales.

National salary range: According to the BLS, market research analysts made between $35,380 and $127,410 in May 2020.

Education requirements: A bachelor’s degree in market research or a related field, like marketing or communication, is typically necessary for this position.  

Job outlook: The BLS predicts that between 2020 and 2030, employment in this position will increase by 22%.  

New Media

Social Media Specialist

Overview: The company’s public communication on social media platforms is under the control of social media specialists. As well as producing specific pieces of content, this can involve developing a general social media strategy.

National salary range: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, public relations professionals, a group that includes social media experts, made between $35,350 and $118,210 per year in May 2020. Occupational Employment Statistics (BLS).  

Education requirements: Most often, a bachelor’s degree in public relations, communication, business, or a related field is needed.

Job outlook: BLS estimates that between 2020 and 2030, the employment of public relations specialists will increase by 11%.

Advertising, Promotions, And Marketing Manager

Overview: These experts manage and create initiatives that aid in generating interest in a good or service. They work at advertising agencies or in the marketing division of businesses.

National salary range: The BLS reports that the salary range for this position in May 2020 was between $68,940 and $208,000.

Education requirements: A bachelor’s degree in business, such as marketing, or a closely related field, such as communication, is typically required by employers.

Job outlook: Employment is projected to grow 10% from 2020 to 2030, according to BLS.

Podcast Producer

Overview: The creation, creation, and distribution of podcasts are managed by producers. This can involve choosing cast members and scripts, establishing a budget, and managing the technical aspects.

National salary range: According to the BLS, producers made between $36,070 and $184,660 annually as of May 2020. (Producers from a range of industries, including those working on media other than podcasts, fall under this category.)

Education requirements: Typically, a bachelor’s degree is needed in one of the following fields: theater, the arts, communication technology, film or cinema studies, or nonprofit management.

Job outlook: Employment of producers and directors is projected to grow 24% from 2020 to 2030, according to BLS.

Mobile Application And Software Developer

Overview: To help meet the needs of users, software developers are in charge of building the computer programs that run the network and control the device.

National salary range: The BLS reports that the salary range for this occupation in May 2020 was $65,210 to $170,100.

Education requirements: A computer and information technology bachelor’s degree is typically the minimum requirement for this profession. A master’s degree is required by some employers.

Job outlook: The employment of software and mobile application developers is anticipated to increase by 22% between 2020 and 2030. 

Copy Editor

Overview: Everything a company publishes is subject to copy editing, including blog posts and press releases. It may be necessary for this role to plan content, edit it for grammar and brand consistency, and approve publication final drafts.

National salary range: According to the BLS, editors made between $33,620 and $126,800 annually in May 2020.

Education requirements: Typically, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in English, communication, journalism, or a closely related field.

Job outlook: The BLS predicts that between 2020 and 2030, the employment of editors will increase by 5%.

Content Marketing Specialist

Overview: Specialists in the content marketing plan, production, and managing of media content for digital marketing campaigns.

National salary range: According to the BLS, marketing managers made between $74,620 and $208,000 annually in May 2020.

Education requirements: The typical requirement is a bachelor’s degree in journalism or advertising.

Job outlook: According to the BLS, employment for marketing managers is expected to increase by 10% between 2020 and 2030.

Graphic Designer

Overview: Visual concepts are created for businesses by graphic designers. This can apply to visual elements like logos or illustrations as well as the design of print and digital media. 

National salary range: According to BLS data from May 2020, graphic designers made between $31,720 and $93,440.

Education requirements: Typically, a graphic design bachelor’s degree or a degree in a related field is needed.

Job outlook: According to BLS projections, there will be a 3% increase in graphic designers’ employment between 2020 and 2030.

New Media Vs. Traditional Media

The two contrasting ends of the current communication spectrum are known as new and traditional media. The main distinction between the two types of media, despite the fact that they both serve the same primary purpose of information sharing, is the medium they employ.

Media And Society

The media has a significant impact on society in many different ways. The media is referred to as society’s “mirror,” and in many ways, it reflects current events in the form of news, data, nonfiction, and other forms of media. 

However, new media has an even greater influence on society because many social media platforms are now used for campaigns, advertisements, and marketing. It has an impact on how we perceive the world and draw conclusions from it. The influence of new media has spawned a variety of professions, propaganda, and even goodwill.