Some forms of media are so ingrained in our daily lives that it’s hard to imagine a time when they did not exist. However, even the most popular and useful forms of media had to develop over time. In this assignment, you will select a form of modern media and trace how it became a staple of American society.
Select 1 of the following media to use for this assignment:
Online video streaming service
Social media network
Video game and gaming technology
Research your selected media, and consider the following:
Evaluate how the media developed over time, and explain its evolution in the United States.
Identify the challenges and milestones related to its development and how the selected media became part of contemporary American society.
Create a horizontal or vertical timeline using a timeline template in Microsoft® Word, Canva®, or a program of your choice.
Include the following information in your timeline:
List at least 6 major events in chronological order that are part of the evolution of your selected media. These major events could include important milestones, technological advancements, and challenges related to the development of your media.
Provide a 2- to 4-sentence description of each chosen event.
Provide the dates associated with the chosen events and the event’s impact on the media and American culture.
Cite at least 2 sources to support your assignment.
Format your citations according to APA guidelines.
Evolution of Online Video Streaming Service
Timeline:
1997: Launch of Netflix’s DVD-by-mail service
Netflix was founded by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph, initially as a DVD rental service that operated through mail delivery. This marked the beginning of the company’s journey into the media industry.
Impact: The convenience of renting DVDs through mail disrupted the traditional video rental market and laid the foundation for Netflix’s future innovations.
2007: Introduction of streaming service by Netflix
Netflix launched its online streaming service, allowing subscribers to stream movies and TV shows directly to their computers. This shift from physical DVDs to digital streaming was a significant milestone in the evolution of online video streaming.
Impact: The introduction of streaming made content more accessible and convenient, setting the stage for the transformation of the entertainment industry.
2008: Launch of Hulu
Hulu, a joint venture between NBCUniversal, Fox Entertainment Group, and Disney-ABC Television Group, was launched as a streaming platform for TV shows and movies. It offered a different model with both free and subscription-based content.
Impact: Hulu provided viewers with an alternative streaming option and introduced the concept of ad-supported streaming, diversifying the streaming landscape.
2010: Introduction of Netflix’s streaming-only subscription
Netflix introduced a streaming-only subscription plan, allowing users to access their vast library of content exclusively through streaming. This move emphasized the company’s focus on digital distribution.
Impact: The streaming-only subscription model gained popularity and paved the way for the cord-cutting phenomenon, as viewers began to shift away from traditional cable and satellite TV.
2013: Release of original programming by Netflix (House of Cards)
Netflix ventured into original content production with the release of its political drama series, House of Cards. This marked a significant turning point, as streaming services began creating their own exclusive content.
Impact: The success of House of Cards demonstrated that streaming services could produce high-quality original programming, challenging the dominance of traditional TV networks and attracting subscribers to these platforms.
2020: Launch of Disney+
Disney launched its dedicated streaming platform, Disney+, offering a vast library of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content. The platform gained instant popularity, fueled by its established franchises and beloved characters.
Impact: Disney+ became a major player in the streaming industry, intensifying competition and driving the trend of media conglomerates launching their own streaming services.
Sources:
Miller, M. (2019). A brief history of Netflix. The Motley Fool. https://www.fool.com/investing/2019/10/15/a-brief-history-of-netflix.aspx
Waterson, J. (2020). How Netflix changed the world. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/jul/16/how-netflix-changed-the-world
