http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_8-Ball

So much can be said about this conversation. But let’s stick to the facts.

The situation is explained well on Wikipedia-
“The third millennium of the Gregorian calendar began on 1 January 2001, rather than the popularly-celebrated 1 January 2000. This is a direct consequence of the absence of a year zero in the anno Domini era. Had there been a year zero, which might be considered part of the first millennium, then 1 January 2000 would indeed mark 2000 years since the year numbering datum and be the start of the third millennium. This also applies to centuries and decades. Thus, the 20th century began on 1 January 1901; and the 21st century began on 1 January 2001.”

… And this decade begins on 1 January 2011.

For those who follow the facts: “Happy New Year”.

For those who follow CNN: “Happy New Decade… Sorry, no, you can’t break my ten if you only have nine dollars”.

Links: Wikipedia- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Year_zero
CNN- http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/12/29/motivation.new.years.resolutions/

1) More media than ever.
In the past (let’s use the 50′s) – There were newspapers, radio, tv (a handfull of local channels). There were less media outlets which allowed for higher advertising margins, more money, more people dedicated to the quality control of each specific outlet and more demand for jobs at each outlet- Thus allowing each outlet to hire the best and the brightest. Thus allowing each outlet more resources to police content prior to release. Also, the media consumers were more focused (because the many were consumers of the few) and had more power to hold each media outlet accountable for quality. Typically through complaints to advertisers.
2) The rise of the internet, cable and satellite tv.
The rise of these new mediums has pulled down the media stacks erected in the early days. Now the media is spread out all over the place. There are thousands of media web sites, cable tv stations (i.e. history channel), satellite tv stations blogs, podcasts, etc. The ad revenue (money) is spread out, the media is spread out and as a result the people are spread out. This has created many media jobs for less money, instead of the past where there were few jobs for more money.
3) Reduced Standards and Quality.
As a result of issues 1 and 2 above, hiring standards have dropped, quality controls have relaxed and logically so- Media quality has suffered.

This is similar to what has happened with consumer goods in America since outsourcing and globalization have taken over. As more competition is created- inherently there is turmoil in the market and overall quality tends to suffer. We are seeing this now in the media. I think that eventually the market will balance out. Those with poor quality will fail and the strong will survive… As long as each government allows the market it’s freedom to mimic nature.

Peter Quinn