Convergence in media and entertainment industries

The dawn of the 21st century marked the end of Gutenberg era and a sea change in the field of technology, entertainment and media as a new platform was created through convergence. “Convergence” in respect of media and entertainment, in its simplest form, means the combination of new media and old media within a single piece of media work, bringing together different media products and technology.

In other words, convergence means the coalescence and merging of traditionally separated technologies and forms of communication into one, as far as possible.

Some examples

This can be illustrated by the following example: Mobile phones were devised only to make and receive calls and send instant text messages. However, with the evolution of technology, mobile phones now perform several other functions, doubling as cameras, video recorders, radios and mp3 players, and providing access to games and the internet.

Naik Naik & Co, founded by Ameet Naik, is a full-service law firm with specific focus on entertainment, real estate, retail and technology. It has three offices in Mumbai and two in New Delhi. Madhu Gadodia (madhuchaudhary@nnico.com) is a partner at the firm.