Defining convergence

The term “convergence” comes up all the time, but it means different things in different contexts. So Northwestern professor Rich Gordon has tried defining the various meanings of the word in a journalism context. His definitions:

Ownership convergence: “At the highest level of today’s media conglomerates, “convergence” means the ownership of multiple content or distribution channels.”

Tactical convergence: The most common model is a partnership between a TV station and a newspaper, in most cases (but not all) under separate ownership. In most markets, the primary motivation for — and initial results of — these partnerships is promotional.

Structural convergence: Job descriptions and organizational structures change. TV’s sit in print newsrooms and print reporters go on-air, among other things.

Storytelling convergence: Individual journalists to report a story using multiple media tools.