What does 'convergence' in media technology refer to?

The term 'convergence' in media technology primarily refers to the merging of different media technologies. This phenomenon encompasses how traditional media—such as television, radio, and print—interact with new media technologies, like the internet and mobile devices. Convergence allows for the integration of various forms of content and delivery systems, enabling viewers to access information and entertainment through multiple platforms seamlessly.

For example, a news story might be delivered through a television broadcast, a social media post, a podcast, and an online article all at once, illustrating how different media formats can coexist and enhance one another. This blending of technologies fundamentally alters how media is consumed and produced, reflecting the interconnected nature of contemporary communication.

The other options describe different concepts in media studies. The separation of traditional media from interactive platforms suggests a dichotomy that doesn't capture the integrated nature of current media use. The creation of entirely new media genres may occur as a result of convergence, but it is not the defining characteristic of the term itself. Similarly, standardization of film production techniques is a separate issue related to production practices rather than the merging of media technologies.