• FT.com, Thursday, March 9, 2006 10:04 AM

The Financial Times has published an important commentary about the evolution of media. Its merit derives principally from its source--Tom Glocer, CEO of Reuters. Speaking about the production and dissemination of content, he traces the recent and dramatic shift in media from a monolithic structure to a decentralized model in which almost anyone with a laptop computer or low-cost digital video camera can influence audiences around the globe. We are into at least the second phase of media's bright new world, Glocer believes. All this has been occurring at a breakneck pace. He seems not just pleased but giddy about the possibilities. Glocer's take on the future: "First, media companies need to be 'seeders of clouds.' To have access to high-value new content, we need to attract a community around us. To achieve that we have to produce high-quality content ourselves, then display it and let people interact with it.... Second, we need to be 'the provider of tools.' This means promoting open standards and interoperability, which will allow a diverse set of consumer-creators to combine disparate types of content. Third, we must improve on our skills as the 'filter and editor.' Media have always had these functions. The world will always need editing: consumers place value in others making decisions about what is good and what is not." Ultimately, says Glocer, a mixture of professionally produced content and consumer-generated content will yield a more vibrant product, and he embraces the changes that are fast remaking the entire industry .

Read the whole story at FT.com »