Fox News exposed. Net neutrality illuminated. We’ve debated the Doctrine of Cooperation, the failed promises of big media and Newton Minow’s vast wasteland. “Communications professor” is my secret identity; it’s a passionate pastime that keeps me on my toes.
Rest assured, there are 20 new emerging professionals who understand the promise and potential of electronic media. They can see Facebook and Twitter as a means to greater ends. They know there’s something bigger than Snookie and the Khardasians.
We’ve gone over the History of Electronic Media in CMM220, looking at the perspectives of McLuhan through our rear-view mirrors to make some sense of where it’s all going. We’ve watched how Afgan Idol is advancing attitudes toward women. We’ve seen YouTube heroics bringing down dictators. We know “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” Tim Wu’s Master Switch and the link between bike rides and 4G smartphones.
I’m hopeful these Endicott College kids will be better marketers and communications pros – well informed citizens, too. They understand the privileges of education and probably make a better effort than my generation did. They see some of the Global challenges on our plate. But they’re optimistic about crowd-sourcing, American ingenuity, open broadband initiatives. They know the ‘bit is it.’
Stay tuned to this generation. You’ll see some good, new ideas. Of course, we still have the final exam left on Wednesday.
