Media Outreach

In the 1950’s and early 1960’s, prior to the widespread inter-networking that led to the Internet, most communication networks were limited by their nature to only allow communications between the stations on the network. Some networks had gateways or bridges between them, but these bridges were often limited or built specifically for a single use. One prevalent computer networking method was based on the central mainframe method, simply allowing its terminals to be connected via long leased lines. This method was used in the 1950s by Project RAND to support researchers such as Herbert Simon, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, when collaborating across the continent with researchers in Santa Monica, California, eventually giving birth to the Internet which became more wide spread in the late 90’s.

Even in the last ten years, we have seen a major shift in the use of the Internet from machine focused to man focused. The individual is the key component on the new world wide web, who is now able to do more than research data, they can live vicariously through other’s videos, podcasts, blogs, online profiles and enrich their own lives through the experiences and knowledge of others. One of the largest areas of growth for this experience in the last 10 years is streaming media.

Streaming media is multimedia that is continuously received by, and normally displayed to, the end-user while it is being delivered by the provider. The name refers to the delivery method of the medium rather than to the medium itself. Many providers such as YouTube, MyspaceTV, and now Sermon Connect are providing the ability for the individual to share their experiences through streaming media faster than ever before. With broadband connections at an all time high penetration in the United States and across the globe, use of streaming media is growing at an alarming rate. In order to stay relevant to our world, the church must adopt these technologies as well.

Tune in tomorrow for the continuation of this article…