Foreign and Georgian Multimedia Platforms – Convergence and Ethics

Abstract

With the advancement of digital technologies, the modern media landscape is undergoing significant transformation. Multimedia platforms—combining textual, visual, and audio formats—have become the primary source of information for audiences. This study explores how the convergence of multimedia platforms influences the speed and quality of information dissemination, examines the ethical challenges associated with convergent journalism, compares international and Georgian media standards, and outlines the necessary steps to improve multimedia ethical standards in Georgia. Convergent journalism represents the media sector’s response to the evolution of digital technologies.

The contemporary digital ecosystem assigns a pivotal role to multimedia platforms. These platforms—including online newspapers, social networks, podcasts, and live broadcasts—form a new media structure that integrates both textual and audiovisual content. This integration ensures rapid and effective communication of information to a broad audience.

Organizations such as the BBC and The New York Times actively utilize multiple platforms to create unified information flows, offering audiences multidimensional perspectives (BBC Editorial Guidelines, n.d.). In Georgia, media outlets such as Netgazeti and Formula News have successfully adopted the convergent model, enabling them to deliver text, video, and audio content simultaneously.

The development of convergent models in both international and Georgian media environments plays a crucial role in modern journalism. International practices demonstrate that convergent journalism offers not only diverse content but also in-depth analysis and interactive opportunities. In Georgia, such developments have significantly expanded the capabilities of media organizations; however, technological and ethical challenges remain evident.