David Brewer, Director of Media Helping Media and Media Ideas International gave this presentation to a group of bloggers assembled in Rotterdam for the TH!NK ABOUT IT Grand Finale on 15 June, 2009. His slideshow illustrates the profound impact that alternative media has had on freedom of press worldwide.

1. New Media Evolution
On The Horizon for TH!NKers
Aim beyond the horizon
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

2. New Media Evolution
• Impact of blogging, social networking and other
new media developments
• Changing audience behaviour
• Implications for traditional, mainstream media
• Implications for all media (don’t think UGC)
• Opportunities and challenges
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

3. New Media Evolution
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

4. New Media Evolution
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

5. New Media Evolution
Why blog?
REASONS: T.P Mishra
I started blogging to improve my writing skills, highlight the
plight of Bhutanese refugees and inform them.
I blog also to garner support and solidarity be it local, national
or international, for our call for media freedom in Bhutan.
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

6. New Media Evolution
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

7. New Media Evolution
Why blog?
REASONS: Nalaka Gunawardene
I’m a story-teller first and last. A science writer by training, I’ve
worked variously as a journalist, film-maker, media
researcher, media trainer, communications consultant and TV
host during the past 20 years.
Just like media is a plural term, I have multiple affiliations and
wear several ‘hats’. In all these, I ‘connect the dots’, find
new ways of seeing the world around me, speak my mind
— and also have fun.
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

8. New Media Evolution
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

9. New Media Evolution
Why blog?
REASONS: Shahidul Alam
“This direct access that has insulated me from government
persecution.
“In 1996, when we protested against the government using the military to
round up opposition activists, I was attacked in the streets
“They took away my computer, camera, PDA and films, and I received
eight knife wounds.
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

10. New Media Evolution
Why blog?
REASONS: Shahidul Alam
“The reason I can now get away with what I say has a lot to do with the
following and the reach my blog has provided.
“They know I have over 28,000 subscribers worldwide.
“Some of those 28K are very influential people. “
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

11. New Media Evolution
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

12. New Media Evolution
Taking bloggers seriously
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

13. New Media Evolution
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

14. New Media Evolution
Old media gate crashing the
new media party
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

15. New Media Evolution
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

16. New Media Evolution
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

17. New Media Evolution
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

18. New Media Evolution
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

19. New Media Evolution
Guatemala
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

20. New Media Evolution
An insurance policy
for media freedom
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

21. New Media Evolution
Creating the most
trusted media brand in
the Balkans
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

22. New Media Evolution
Armenia
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

23. New Media Evolution
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

24. New Media Evolution
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

25. New Media Evolution
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

26. New Media Evolution
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

27. New Media Evolution
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

28. New Media Evolution
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

29. New Media Evolution
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

30. New Media Evolution
• The way the audience consumes news is
changing
• The ‘broadcast at’ model is dead
• The ‘engage with on our terms’ model is in
its death throes
• Smart media organisations must move on to
the ‘be a part of and participate’ model
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

31. New Media Evolution
• The basics for mainstream media do not
change
• They must deliver accurate, balanced,
objective and impartial news based on
sourced and verified facts
• But they must be aware of where the
audience had shifted, move in their
direction,and offer something unique,
relevant and needed.
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

32. New Media Evolution
And for bloggers?
• Keep experimenting
• Keep innovating
• Keep challenging those in authority
• Keep stretching mind
• Keep sharing
• Keep tagging
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC

33. New Media Evolution
On The Horizon for TH!NKers
You are the media
© David Brewer – Media Ideas International Ltd 2009 For: EJC