One of the biggest reasons why people turn to technology these days is for entertainment. Streaming media and instant access have changed the way that people read and watch their favorite stories unfold. Sometimes, people even upload their own performances, sharing what they're doing with the rest of the world. The state of modern technology has made these kinds of actions more possible than ever, and the popular news pieces that circulate online only prove this.
Here is a look at some of the most popular stories to be shared online recently that illustrate some happenings in digital media news:
1) Fans clamoring for more Arrested Development updates
One of the biggest cult hits of all time found new life in the last few years thanks to the streaming service Netflix. Arrested Development, which lasted three seasons on FOX and was canceled over poor ratings, was revived in 2011 for the production of a fourth installment that aired in 2013 – and speculation that there would be more to follow was almost instantaneous.
According to Digital​ Trends, Netflix representatives have recently discussed their plans for the fifth season, which will pick up where the fourth left off. While there have been no official announcements regarding production and release dates, fans are anxiously awaiting further developments – however arrested they may presently be.
2) Cast of Broadway's Lion King sings to NYC subway riders
People sing on the subway all the time – be it with their headphones on or in an effort to make a quick buck. But what happens when a professional ensemble appears and starts singing the music from a beloved Disney film? It ends up on YouTube, of course.
Mashable reported that the Broadway cast of the Lion King showed up recently in a New York subway car to sing the famous song "The Circle of Life." Of course, cameras appeared and the happening went viral. Talk about some quality marketing!
3) Writers fight Amazon's e-book efforts
But not all creative types are so on-board with changing technology. Amazon, a major player in the e-book world, has drawn the ire of many authors – including Stephen King and John Grisham – over what they believe to be underhanded tactics.
According to The New York Times, writer Douglas Preston has authored an open letter in which he details the use of "writers as hostages" by Amazon in publisher negotiations. He also accuses Amazon of encouraging readers to buy from them directly rather than from those actually involved with the release of books. The letter has since attracted the signatures of more than 900 fellow writers, including King and Grisham.
"[Amazon chief executive] Jeff Bezos used books as the cutting edge to help sell everything from computer cables to lawn mowers, and what a good idea that was," Preston said to the Times' David Streitfeld. "Now Amazon has turned its back on us. Don't they value us more than that? Don't they feel any loyalty? That's why authors are mad."
