The presence of the internet and especially social media has a considerable influence in the practice of music journalism. Now music media is not only found through print media (magazines), but also found through formats web magazines (webzines), radio streaming, and video streaming. The presence of the internet can make everyone become a “music journalist”. The ease of access makes everyone not need to be in a press institution to write and cover music coverage. The presence of various online media and music bloggers is a new passion for writing music. Music writers in webzines are usually “non-journalists” and seem to restore their authenticity that writing music by people who are enthusiastic and passionate about music. The presence of webzines is indeed an oasis in the midst of drought of information about music, especially side-stream music. Media such as Deathrockstar, Newyorkbeat, Wastedrockers, Gigsplay, and many more are able to present music content outside the mainstream ones. The disadvantages of media like this are still driven by management who are not considerably professional, even though the achievement of webzines such as Stereogum or Pitchfork in America is a successful example of webzines that are loved and read by music lovers.
The challenge is quite heavy for online music media is indeed competition to get advertisements. Let alone to earn a profit, you can survive still grateful. The important point of the existence of online music media is indeed from the point of democratization of the media. Now music media grows in various types, including not only from the central city of the music industry such as Bandung or Jakarta but growing outside the two cities. Mass media is currently entering a period of media convergence. The current development of music journalism itself is now more varied. Some mainstream media still prioritize market music, but there are a number of alternative online media that are still consistent in offering music outside the music industry market. It’s just now that the pure media might be called a Music Magazine, which is indeed almost full of things about music, it might be said to be nonexistent. Media whose main content about music usually intersects with media consisting content about “lifestyle” or “entertainment”. This may be the principle of co-evolution so that the media can survive.
As described above, if it is said that music journalism is probably dead, it really isn’t. Music journalism in the sense of writing and providing information about music and events is still present to accompany our daily lives. Some music media are still able to survive with their respective principles and strategies. Some mainstream media such as Rolling Stone, Trax, and NME also make online divisions. The principle of convergence is what can make this music media survive. Now even some music media are able to marry music journalism with media technology. Music information is not only found through print media, but through social media, youtube, and online news.