New Media

The rise of digital music resulted from the convergence of a different forms of technology. First, the development of MP3s which allows the average song to be compressed down to approximately three megabytes. This enabled files to easily be distributed over increasingly fast broadband networks. The development of peer to peer file sharing software – such as Napster and Kazaa – meant that users could share their digital music files easily across networks. The decreasing cost of computers and the introduction of portable MP3 players like the iPod drove consumer interest in this new format of music. These developments have had implications beyond the music industry, leading to the rise of podcasting and the creation of new copyright movements.

Questions

Write about the creative and cultural implications of digital music, using the questions and links below as a basis for your work.

Explain the origins of digital file sharing describing how Napster challenged copyright by allowing people to share music online and its subsequent legal battles with Metallica and the Recording Industry Association of America.
How is file sharing challenging traditional copyright laws?
What is Creative Commons and why is it proving to be an alternative to
Describe how the iPod and iTunes Music Store have changed the way that consumers buy music.
What is DRM and why are people opposed to it?
What creative and cultural possibilities has podcasting and vodcasting created?

Assessment Criteria

• identify and describe characteristics of new media technologies;
• analyse the relationships between new and existing media technologies;
• discuss how the emergence of new media technologies have affected media production and the circulation and consumption of media products;
• analyse the creative and cultural impact of new media technologies.

New Media

Questions

Assessment Criteria

Napster

The iPod

Digital Rights Management

Podcasting

Creative Commons