Abstract
This volume is part of ‘The Future of Business and Finance’ book series and holds focus on changes within the media sector due to digitalisation and how these developments will affect the future of media. It offers 20 scientific contributions, with five sections covering a spectrum of theoretical works and empirical research through its use of case studies. Part I, ‘Approaching Media Transformation: Triggers and Effects Shaping the Future of Media’ explores a ‘techno-optimistic’ perspective (p. 3), co-creation and ‘techlash’ (p. 3). The chapters focus on companies becoming innovators in order to increase the sustainability of their business. Part II, ‘Expanding Media Realities: Effects of Media Becoming More Immersive in the Future’ investigates immersive media, this including augmented and virtual reality. German media has a focal point within this chapter as well as ‘Riepl's Law’. Part III, ‘Disruptive Technologies: Datafication, Artificial Intelligence, and 5G Networks’ considers technological developments that result in ‘unpredictable and abrupt transformation in product offering and production processes’ (p. 8), these being datafication, artificial intelligence on a general level and in relation to deepfakes and their long-term effect, and the optimisation of paywalls. Current changes in journalism in media as well as suspected changes are discussed in Part IV, ‘Journalism Across All Platforms: Transforming an Established Profession’. This section discusses social media, current and potential challenges and focuses on Instagram and podcasts in the final two chapters. The final Part V, ‘Implementing Innovation: Industrial and Regulatory Responses to Change’ is ‘devoted to the effects of implementing media innovations and the responses that can be observed from the industry perspective and the regulatory framework’ (p. 12), thus including work routines, an analysis of media start-ups as well as perspectives from Germany and the video game industry. This book would benefit scholars and students interested in the business of media and journalism.