Why the individual now trumps big media

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The fall of Dan Rather at CBS and Eason Jordan at CNN reflect changes in media power away from major news organizations to the once lowly individual.

CBS and CNN are among the gatekeepers that control the flow of news via TV, radio and wire services. If they ignore a story, then?unless the newspapers pick it up?it is as though the story never happened. However, things are changing...

Behold the power of the Internet, and the so-called bloggers. They picked up on the Rather and Eason stories, and brought them down. At least, that is the perception. CBS and CNN could not protect their boys by ignoring the stories.

It seems the media powers, though still in power, have seen their heyday. Their control of news dissemination is being effectively challenged by the millions of individuals who communicate on the Internet.

For instance, how many items have you yourself forwarded via email?

Christian orgs, such as American Family Association, have tapped into this new power. They get us to email major corporations and force them to withdraw their support of TV sleaze, such as “Desperate Housewives.”

Traditional media seems to resent their loss of power. They and they alone no longer control which stories circulate across the nation, shaping our opinions.

American business needs to pay heed to this fundamental shift. It carries many ramifications. The shift is both an opportunity, and a threat to former business positions.

Just one person now has the power to start the ball rolling on a subject via Internet emails, chat rooms and talk shows. Any story can gain legs quickly if it’s interesting, and hopefully valid. Clearly, this new power can be used for evil as well as good.

But in the least, it marks a shift in how society operates. Big news groups alone no longer control what we perceive to be true. The individual has risen to speak.

Steve Marr is the former CEO of the fourth largest import-export firm in the U.S., a company which facilitated international trade for many of the largest companies in America. Currently, Steve consults with with businesses and ministries utilizing ancient Biblical principles for success in today's marketplace. Clickhereto contact Steve, or visit his website atwww.businessproverbs.com