S1_MNJ_MANAGING DIGITAL ORGANIZATION_smt Genap 2024

What is “information”? The dictionary definition is “Facts provided or learned about something or someone.” But that does not include fiction, entertainment, a musical score, soft- ware programs, and so on.1 A leading communications sci- entist, Claude Shannon, often called the “father of information theory,” described information as “what reduces uncertainty ... Information is news that makes a difference. If it doesn’t make a difference, it isn’t information.” Taking these and related strands together, a workable definition of information is raw data subjected to organization that make it useful to some people. Entertainment content is one form of such information. Other examples are financial reports or topo- graphic maps.

“Media firms” are organizations that produce or distrib- ute information. “Communications” is the transmission of information, using various distribution platforms. “Telecommunication” is its electronic version. “Media tech” are the various technology devices enabling media and com- munications, such as printing presses and cellphones. “Media” consists of three segments—distribution platforms, content production, and media devices (. Fig. 2.1).

Distribution platforms deliver content from producers to users. They range from movie theaters to fiber optic net- works, internet service providers, and infrastructure cloud providers. Distribution systems stress technical reliability, long-term planning, and frequent dealings with government regulation.

In contrast, content production is often short term, project based, and imbued by the culture of creatives and entertain- ment entrepreneurs. In recent years, however, it has become more tech oriented, with websites, software, and digital appli- cations that enable transactions.

Devices are the technical components for distribution and content. Media-tech devices include television sets, comput- ers, cellphones, cameras, and components such as semicon- ductors and microchips. The sector is dominated by established high-tech firms on the one end of size, and start- ups on the other. The sector is innovation driven, highly competitive, cost oriented, and entrepreneurial.

The three segments are increasingly overlapping, and companies often straddle them or function as integrators.