Christina Rovira

I think the top three things affecting the entertainment industry today are first and foremost the internet and digital media. Personally speaking since the advent of online music sharing, I have not stepped foot in a music store. Similarly, if I miss one of my favorite programs on television, I can watch the episodes online at my convenience. The internet and digital media are a catch-22: while the media platform allows unsurpassed exposure to a wide audience, the technology itself at the same time is in conflict with traditional methods of media consumption.

Second, I think the economy itself is also affecting our industry today. With the price of oil reaching record-breaking numbers, our economy is adjusting as the cost of everyday activities and essentials continuously rise. If a loaf of bread is nearing $5, consumers are forced to make decisions on how to spend their money. As a consequence, leisure activities such as watching movies and attending concerts and shows are the first to fall by the wayside.

Finally, the commercialization of the industry is also another impacting force. It seems that media platforms such as the Internet and television are constantly bomb-barded with advertisements which I feel takes away from the entertainment experience. I understand that entertainment is a business. However, when the focus shifts from creative expression to business opportunity, it de-sensitizes the experience and may even embitter the consumer the artist was hoping to reach....