Apple: The New Content Middleman
Posted by dna 13 on Mon, Jan 25, 2010
Wednesday's invitation-only media event will most likely lay to rest the growing speculation surrounding Apple's long-awaited, much-anticipated new creation: a tablet-based computer whose rumored capabilities, depending on who you ask, are the stuff of legend.
It's too soon to analyze the details of purported features (come Wednesday, there will be plenty of that), but based on widespread reports from people in the know, it is safe to say that this gadget will be another nail in the coffin of traditional media as the primary content middleman. After all, to hear that "every company is a media company" is commonplace now, thanks to emerging digital platforms that enable any organization or individual to create and share content.
Apple has played a unique role in chipping away at traditional media's supremacy in content delivery with products like iTunes, Apple TV and the iPhone, and it stands to make waves-no, make that tsunamis-with its new tablet creation, though not in the standard, destructive way one might think. In fact, the product could actually reinvigorate floundering traditional media platforms, with reports claiming that Apple has recently been in discussions with book, magazine and newspaper publishers, as well as television networks, about how they can work together to provide content through the tablet.
Apple mastermind Steve Jobs is no stranger to finding creative ways to repackage existing content and deliver it through new channels (see the aforementioned product references), and this just might be a much-needed boost for the stuttering media industry. Of course, there are obstacles to overcome-for example, it's reported that some televisions networks weren't too excited about his desire to only license popular content, as opposed to the whole enchilada.
Only time will tell if Apple can facilitate the rebirth of traditional media, but one thing is certain: new communication models are all about being a bridge, not a gatekeeper.
As for the rest, stay tuned ...