Final Essay - Josh Hawkins
Convergence and Democratizing Television
By Josh Hawkins
The essay, "Democratizing Television," describes how television could become a more participatory and democratic medium. In “Democratizing Television” Jenkins explores convergence and how its occurring. Jenkins contrasts ways in which participation can be used more effectively. For example in Al Gore’s vision of Current or the ways BBC is trying to make media more interactive and hands on. The emphasis on having more control over the consuming we participate in also comes with the convergence of media and democracy. 
What is this participation that is being referred to? What are we participating for and why is it important? Television Jenkins argues will become more and more democratic the more participation is involved. This would make the television a very powerful tool in communication. It would also allow its users to actively participate in the media and information they receive. The user could filter in or out only what he or she wanted.
Participation and democratizing television would allow the flow of information to be almost infinite. The accessibility of video and ideas over the Internet is already so great the options seem to be endless. The ease and speed information is relayed back to us now a day is remarkable. Within twenty minutes I can make a million dollar viewed YouTube video. The methods used to express oneself has become more efficient and accessible, with the mergence of social media and the strength and impact these methods carry.
Internet, video and television as we know it will continue to converge and create louder and easier forms of communication between every human being throughout the world. As more and more people begin to adapt and grow up learning communication technologies the more advanced and participatory television and media itself will become.
