Traditional and new media both shape communication and entertainment. While traditional media offers stability and legacy, new media brings interactivity and innovation. Together they create diverse opportunities for creative expression and careers.
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Gillis, A. S. (2024, Dec. 5). Traditional Media vs. New Media: Differences, Pros and Cons. TechTarget. Retrieved Aug. 14, 2025.
Approved and verified accurate by the Dean of the College of Arts and Media on Aug. 22, 2025.
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"Musicians need social media savvy, editors and visual FX artists often use the same software as game designers. All electronic storytellers need to be comfortable with cameras and broadcasting on big or small screens. We bring all these elements together in our Canyon Creative student ad agency internships as well as via our Friday Night Live variety shows."
— Dr. Craig Detweiler, Dean, College of Arts and Media, Grand Canyon University
Traditional media describes all media that predate the internet. These platforms typically follow a structured process and operate under a one-way communication model, relying on professional editorial processes to reach broad audiences through broadcast schedules or physical distribution.1 Dr. Detweiler adds that “traditional media was scheduled and pushed toward us as more passive consumers. A few media companies dominated the marketplace.”
Examples of traditional media include:1
When looking at traditional vs. new media, traditional media continues to play a significant role in shaping public opinion and providing credible information to the public. Established outlets that have been around for decades, such as television networks and major newspapers, remain trusted sources for verified news, notably during elections, emergencies or global events where accuracy is critical. Traditional media also offers a broader reach to different audiences, making it essential for public service messaging, brand awareness campaigns and community engagement. This helps provide an anchor of stability amongst a semi-chaotic new media landscape.
Both traditional and new (digital) media are important components that make up our entertainment and news ecosystem. While different, these two media forms each have their own role in providing us with entertainment, keeping us informed with daily news and providing opportunities for businesses to profit from advertising. With this comes the potential for different career paths for college students to consider, furthering the importance of understanding old media vs. new media and the part they can both play in your future role as a media professional.
Earn a media or arts degree at GCU.
Apply traditional and new media strategies to keep the public informed and entertained.
New media can be defined as any communication channel that came about with the emergence of the internet. Often, this involves the capability of users to interact with and create their own content. Some common new media examples include:1
When discussing new media, Dr. Craig Detweiler, Dean of the College of Arts and Media at GCU, adds that one major component of new media is that it is “almost always available and depends upon the audience to pull the stories toward them.” This is one key factor that differentiates new media from traditional media — the ability to access it instantaneously and from almost anywhere.
The rise of new media has changed the way that stories are created, shared and consumed. As Dr. Detweiler notes, “There were previously more gatekeepers deciding who was allowed into the media marketplace,” but today, the democratization of digital tools means anyone can publish content, from recording a song to producing a film. He adds that this shift has “resulted in tech companies dominating the marketplace, serving as the aggregators of millions of storytellers (like on YouTube or TikTok),” making visibility both easier and more competitive than ever before.
In addition, Dr. Detweiler warns that “filter bubbles have arisen, where algorithms increasingly send us what they think we’re interested in,” which can reinforce biases and spread misinformation by limiting exposure to counteractive, diverse perspectives. This means that as new media consumers, we all have the responsibility of ensuring we scrutinize our content choices and question our algorithms. Dr. Detweiler supports this, sharing that “new media can easily feel overwhelming if we don’t edit and curate our choices wisely.”
The College of Arts and Media at GCU offers arts and media degrees that are designed to prepare you for the reality of today’s creative industries. As Dr. Detweiler shares, “We have recently launched new degrees in film editing and visual effects, commercial music, broadcasting, social media and game design. Rather than seeing these as separate realms, we want students to see how interrelated these disciplines are.”
With opportunities to collaborate, build practical skills and gain hands-on experience, our students can position themselves at the forefront of an exciting media marketplace. Fill out the form on this page to learn more about our arts and media programs and get started today.
Working in today’s media environment requires understanding a blend of traditional and new media. As Dr. Detweiler explains, “Understanding the basics of audio-visual communication is essential for any storyteller and medium.” He adds that it’s also wise to “grasp how the entertainment industry has evolved, for students to place themselves within a long line of storytelling professionals.” He describes how they can then discover how to adapt to the dynamic media marketplace.
To establish oneself as a modern media professional, students need a skill set that goes beyond theory and includes practical experience. Dr. Detweiler emphasizes the importance of a hands-on mindset, noting that “students need a well-rounded approach to media making — understanding how to write, record, edit and distribute their projects. The media industry tends to reward aggressive, self–starters — people who do not wait to create but simply get started and keep making things.”
By combining the foundation of traditional media with the innovation of new media platforms, students can position themselves to enter a wide range of media careers, from journalism and film production to digital marketing and content creation.
