Akron's Media Landscape - Marrying Tech With Tradition

by David Smith, Class XXVII

In an age of blogs, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, what will happen to the traditional forms of media?  What will our source of information, news, and social connection become, and how will we determine the most accurate, non-biased channels?

These are the questions that Class XXVI wrestled with alongside some of Akron’s finest media minds, starting with the Akron Beacon Journal’s Editor and Vice President, Bruce Winges. While we walked the historic halls of multiple Pulitzer Prize-winning Akron Beacon Journal, and then dialogued with WKSU’s Executive Director and General Manager, Al Bartholet, it became apparent that today’s media giants have been on a consistent path of reinvention and renewal, while still holding to their values of truth and excellence.

As invited guests to the distinguished Akron Press Club Luncheon, it appeared impossible for the prominent panel not to stray from their assigned subject of politics and address this major media issue:  the changing times of traditional media in the face of ongoing technological advances. As Barbara Paynter of Hennes Paynter Communications told us, “tell the truth, tell it first, tell it all,” but for many at this luncheon, the truth about the media’s future was received with optimistic caution. 

However, one woman full of optimistic excitement about the advances in communication and socialization is Akron-Canton Airport’s Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing & Communication Officer, Kristie Van Auken. With Kristie’s use of various tech tools and the establishment of their community-friendly brand, it is no wonder CAK has over 5,000 Facebook fans;  the most of any airport in the country!

So while ABJ generates more readers through Ohio.com, WKSU attracts foreign listeners through web streaming, and CAK tweets the latest airport updates, know that Akron is in position to thrive on this technological wave…and may we ride right along with them!