Media and Youth: Insights for Businesses to Drive Engagement
Approximately one-third of the world’s population is made up of 2 billion young people under 18. They make up half the population in the least developed nations and less than a quarter in the most industrialised ones. Their challenges range from basic survival to discrimination and exploitation. Moreover, there are myriad differences in cultures, traditions, and values.Nevertheless, children and youth everywhere share some universal traits. They are fundamentally more optimistic, more open, and more curious than their adult counterparts.Increasingly, children are enjoying unprecedented freedoms in many countries. Unfortunately, others confront growing health and social problems, ranging from deepening poverty and ethnic strife to substance abuse and sexually transmitted diseases, political turmoil, and warfare. The Role of Media in Youth Development
In many countries, youth have access to a greater number of multimedia choices than ever before—conventional, satellite, and cable TV channels; radio stations; newspapers and magazines; the internet; and computer and video games. In addition, many are exposed to the same programs, the same characters, and the same marketed spin-off products.
Today there is greater availability of foreign programming and media and less official censorship and control in many parts of the world. Information, email, and images flow around the world faster and more freely than ever. Indeed, mass media are making the world smaller, and culture and media are increasingly inextricable, especially for young people.
Television is the dominant medium for young people—and adults—around the world. In recent years, the number of television channels, household television sets, and hours spent watching television more than doubled. Satellite television reaches all continents, offering increasing numbers of channels targeting specific market segments, including young viewers. The prevalence of television viewing among young people raises serious concerns about recent national and global trends in the television industry.
The rampant consolidation of commercial media has meant the dominance of only a handful of large and powerful companies. In industrialised countries, there have been recent outcries over rising levels of aggression, obesity, substance abuse, eating disorders, and unsafe sexual behaviour among youth, increasingly attributed to commercial media aimed at children and youth.The Internet: A Double-Edged Sword
In developing countries, where resources limit domestic production, most programs for children and youth are imported. Unfortunately, much of the content contains characters and messages that, at best, are simply not relevant to local cultures and, at worst, convey violent images and mass marketing messages. Marketing and Promotion in the Digital AgeAfter television viewing, listening to the radio is the next most popular activity among children and young people worldwide. Actual listening rates among the young vary greatly, however, depending on the quality of national broadcasting and the availability of private alternatives. In many countries, there has been a boom among young people in radio listening over the past decade, the result of the emergence of dozens of private radio stations.Most young people tune in to the radio primarily for music and entertainment. However, some local radio stations have been very successful in attracting and informing more socially active segments of the population, young and old alike. It has become a major source of diverse information and entertainment for youth interested in social life. The internet has been gaining popularity among young people, though at a much slower pace than television and radio. In spite of significant differences between the developed and developing worlds, the use of computers and the internet is rising steadily, fastest among young men. Around the world, young users are increasingly turning to the internet as a source of information, communication, socialising, and entertainment.At the same time, web access is the source of the greatest divide, both between countries (internet use in industrialised countries far outpaces use in the developing world) and within countries (internet use is concentrated among wealthier and better-educated urban youth).Nevertheless, even in countries where internet and computer use is low, young people actively seek access whenever possible, most often in internet cafes. Young people are enthusiastic about the internet because, more than any other medium, it helps them establish contact with the outside world and freely seek information.Perhaps it is ‘free’ access to information that also accounts for the higher levels of trust young people (and adults as well) often place in information on the web than in information from traditional media. Young people use the internet primarily for communicating (email and chat rooms), downloading (computer games, software, and music), and obtaining information (about education, entertainment, sports, “taboo” topics not addressed by adults, and news that may be censored for political motives). Marketing and PromotionIn the digital age, marketing and promotion are vital for the success of media content. Training covers strategies for social media marketing, content distribution, and audience engagement. Understanding analytics and metrics is crucial for measuring the impact of promotional efforts. Media Law and EthicsKnowledge of media law and ethics is essential to navigate the legal and ethical challenges in the industry. Training programs often cover copyright laws, intellectual property rights, and ethical considerations in media production. Soft Skills: For Enhancing Professionalism Communication: Effective communication is fundamental in media and entertainment. Training focuses on both verbal and written communication, ensuring clear and concise conveyance of ideas and information.Networking: Building a network of industry. Environmental Sustainability: A Growing Priority
As the media and entertainment industry expands, so does its environmental footprint. Embracing sustainability practices is becoming increasingly important for professionals in this field. Training programs now often include modules on environmental sustainability to ensure that future media projects are eco-friendly.
Sustainable Production Practices
Training covers methods to reduce the environmental impact of film and television production. This includes energy-efficient lighting, waste reduction strategies, and sustainable set design. Learning to implement green practices on set can significantly lower the carbon footprint of productions.
Digital Media and Sustainability
With the rise of digital media, there is a growing emphasis on reducing the environmental impact of data storage and streaming. Training in this area explores ways to optimise data centres, use renewable energy sources, and reduce the energy consumption of digital platforms.
Eco-friendly Content Creation
Creating content that raises awareness about environmental issues is another crucial aspect. Training programs often encourage content creators to incorporate themes of sustainability into their work, promoting eco-friendly messages and educating audiences about environmental conservation.
Green Certifications
Professionals can also pursue certifications in sustainable practices, such as the Green Production Guide or the Environmental Media Association's Green Seal. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and can enhance a professional's credibility in the industry. Final Thoughts on Media and Youth
The integration of environmental sustainability into media and entertainment training ensures that future professionals are not only skilled in their craft but also mindful of their ecological impact. By adopting sustainable practices, industry can contribute to a healthier planet while continuing to produce high-quality content.
Turn Media into a Bridge—Not a Barrier—to Younger Audiences!
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