Breakthrough TV news and radio programming was at one time developed by dreamers who possessed the ability to evangelize and execute new ways. These dreamers introduced new ideas and approaches that revolutionized the industry.
Where are the dreamers? Are they welcome to the show?
It seems that dreamers are often excluded from larger companies that are too focused on the efficiencies to embrace different thinking at the highest levels. Perhaps the environment is saturated with a numbers-oriented mindset that prioritizes metrics over imagination. Or maybe cultures are simply resistant to real change, preferring to talk big rather than take aggressive action (AFDI).
Unlike the stagnation observed in much of American media, industries such as technology, aerospace, and medicine constantly thrive on pushing boundaries and finding new answers. Regardless of economic constraints, these industries consistently prioritize what’s next, and deliver it now, whereas the media often seems to be trapped in an outdated and ingrained style unaware or unwilling to decisively act on their industries’ 2024 trends which reflect a decline.
Just imagine if CNN were to completely reinvent itself, rather than making minor adjustments in hopes of achieving different results. Or what if Apple ventured into superstation interactive radio channels? Or if a streaming network presented something as groundbreaking as CNN once was. Such bold moves widely adapted would spark a renaissance in American media. The dreamers are out there, and it’s crucial that we discover, liberate, and embrace the best among them in the media space.
From recruitment to training, there are countless opportunities to encourage, support, and enable these dreamers. While anyone can dream, it’s those with clear and vivid visions who hold the key to innovation. Their new ideas, although perhaps unconventional, have the potential to challenge traditionalists who dismiss them with “it’ll never work.” A sign of traditional thinking blocking change.
Sadly, there is a prevalent culture of skepticism that often stifles innovation. However, one possible solution lies in striking a balance between science and emotion. Everything starts with an emotionally driven idea, and then science is employed to determine its effectiveness. This approach applies not only to news but also to music and entertainment. Innovate smartly and aggressively rooted in new visions rather than slow-motion cultures
It’s important to recognize that cultures can either nurture or impede dreams. After all, it was dreamers who brought us revolutionary concepts like MTV (and we can see the relevancy decline that followed when they departed).
While AI can think logically and process information, it lacks the ability to dream. Dreams are uniquely human and play a vital role in shaping our future…if allowed to express new ideas in media.
AI can think, but AI can’t dream. We have to do that part.
