Introduction

The media sector is experiencing rapid changes and transformation due to digitization, which is shaking up existing structures and processes. Technological innovations are shaping the future of communication, with globalization and digitalization driving this transformation. Media markets are growing closer together, resulting in faster innovation spread across borders. New business models and entrepreneurship are also emerging, with media transformation having individual impacts on people. Urbanization and mobilization are accompanied by new lifestyles, allowing digital technologies to integrate media consumption more strongly into everyday life. This has led to more autonomous and independent media use, with targeted access and individualized use of media. However, the increased polarization of society due to media individualization is a concern. Digitalization is leading to media convergence, enabling cross- and transmedia techniques and narrative forms. Immersive media technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, are also emerging. Machine learning innovations are also expected to influence content creation, raising questions about ethics and social impact.