Internet/TV

One would think that with the advent of the internet and the confluence of digital media that there would be a myriad of voice and an out pouring of viewpoints throughout the media world. In fact, I feel, it is just the opposite. The internet, when it first started, was a place where one could find stories, ideas and even blog posts on anything from (then) Bush's tax plan to the best way to stuff a turkey. In areas such a politics, sports and religion the internet opened up avenues and sparked discussion on a wide range of topics. Social media sites and the blogosphere were doing exactly what they were originally intended to do, bring people together to share ideas and connect with each other. But, like with anything else, big business comes in and sees an opportunity to capitalize on the success of the internet and slowly but sure it becomes more and more homogenized. Sure, one can still find opposing viewpoints and interesting articles but those voices are becoming more and more marginalized as people flock to fewer and fewer sites. Year ago no one even knew what the Huffington Post was, they got their news from 3 or 4 different sources be it on the internet, TV or in the newspaper. Today, people get to work, login, read a couple articles on CNN or the aforementioned Huffington Post and go on about their day. The debate and discussion that the internet once sparked is no longer there as it has become watered down by more mainstream sites.
Television is much the same way. In the 1970's there were but 3 stations, ABC, NBC and CBS. People got their news, weather, sports, entertainment and political leanings from one of but three stations. Now, whenever you turn on your digital receiver you get anywhere from 100 to 400 stations ranging from the home cooking channel to need for speed to HBO Comedy 6. Sure, choices are great but just how different are these stations really. For example, NBC owns NBC, Universal, Bravo, USA, MTV, VH1 (I think) and those are just the ones I can name without doing any research. I concede that these channels while owned by the same company are all different but its not about the content its about the message. All these channels send the same message and in the end how is that any different from a time when we had but 3 major networks. Television much like the internet was, at one time, a place for discussion, debate and a multitude of viewpoints and opinions but as time goes on both these mediums are becoming more homogenized and mainstream.