What is the difference between people in media and people as media

The distinction between "people in media" and "people as media" highlights different roles and relationships with the media landscape. ### People in Media - **Definition**: This term refers to individuals who are part of the formal media industry, such as journalists, editors, producers, broadcasters, and content creators who produce and disseminate information. - **Role**: Their primary function is to create content, report news, and present information to the public. They often operate within traditional media outlets (TV networks, newspapers, radio stations) or digital media platforms. - **Agency**: People in media typically have institutional backing and are responsible for adhering to professional standards, ethical guidelines, and editorial policies. Their work is often curated and filtered through the media organization they represent. ### People as Media - **Definition**: This term refers to ordinary individuals who use social media and other digital platforms to share their own content, opinions, and experiences with a wide audience. - **Role**: They are not necessarily trained journalists or media professionals but act as their own media outlets, sharing information, news, and narratives through platforms like social media, blogs, podcasts, and video channels. - **Agency**: People as media have greater autonomy over what they share and how they share it. They can bypass traditional gatekeepers and reach audiences directly, which can democratize content creation but may also lead to issues regarding credibility and misinformation. ### Summary In summary, "people in media" are professionals working within established media organizations, while "people as media" encompasses everyday individuals who utilize technology and social platforms to create and share content independently. This distinction reflects the evolving media landscape, where the lines between consumers and creators are increasingly blurred due to the rise of digital communication tools. Update (2024-10-21): The distinction between "people in media" and "people as media" highlights different roles and functions individuals can play in the context of media and communication. 1. **People in Media**: This term typically refers to professionals who work within traditional media organizations, such as journalists, news anchors, editors, producers, and broadcasters. These individuals are part of established media institutions (like newspapers, television networks, and radio stations) and are responsible for creating, curating, and disseminating content. They usually adhere to journalistic standards and ethical guidelines, and their work is often guided by the goals and policies of their respective organizations. 2. **People as Media**: This concept reflects the idea that individuals can also act as media themselves, particularly in the context of digital and social media platforms. With the rise of the internet and social media, ordinary people can create, share, and disseminate information without needing to go through traditional media channels. This shift allows anyone with internet access to report news, express opinions, and contribute to public discourse, effectively becoming a source of media content themselves. Examples include social media influencers, bloggers, citizen journalists, and regular users who post videos, articles, or other content online. In summary, "people in media" refers to those working within established media organizations, while "people as media" emphasizes the role of individuals in creating and sharing content independently, leveraging digital platforms to amplify their voices and stories. This distinction underscores the evolving landscape of media and communication in the digital age.