By Mark Faller, sports editor, The Arizona Republic
The term “emerging media” probably could have applied throughout history to any new form of communication as it slowly pushed its way to public consciousness. A half century ago, emerging media would have been a good description of the growth of television as it found its foothold in a radio/newspaper society.
“Emerging media” doesn’t belong to the pages of history, though — it’s a modern label for a cutting-edge concept. The American Journal of Business defines emerging media as “communications — of all types — based on digital technologies, and increasingly with interactive components.” That describes not only the path traditional newspaper organizations are trying to blaze, but the singular focus of the new media industry.
At the APSE West Region meeting on Monday, we’ll explore these concepts through the prism of one of the better-known of these companies, Bleacher Report, which will host us at their headquarters in San Francisco.
(RELATED: Agenda for APSE West Region meeting)
Since its founding in 2007 by four friends from the Bay Area, Bleacher Report has rocketed to prominence on the sports media scene, and in 2012 it was acquired by Turner Broadcasting. Not without many critics, especially in its early years, Bleacher Report now has an established brand, some recognizable bylines — and a whole lot of readers.
(RELATED: Inside the Bleacher Report offices)
Mark Smoyer, Bleacher Report’s managing editor, will guide APSE regional attendees as they learn about the company’s growth and transformation, its mission and its place in the ever-growing sports media landscape. Smoyer is well-positioned to lead the discussion, having worked at the San Francisco Chronicle for 17 years before joining Bleacher Report three years ago.
(RELATED: ‘Dean’ of San Francisco sports retires)
Looking forward to an informative discussion and a great regional meeting in the home city of baseball’s new dynasty.
