In the early 1990s, the media industry was dominated by a few powerful players who controlled the flow of information. 

Television networks, radio stations and print publications were the gatekeepers of news and entertainment. 

The idea that an individual could have the means to broadcast their content to a global audience was unfathomable.

Fast forward to today, the landscape has changed beyond recognition. 

Platforms like YouTube, Twitch and TikTok have democratised content creation, allowing anyone with a smartphone and an internet connection to share their voice. 

Independent journalists, vloggers and influencers have amassed millions of followers, often rivalling traditional media outlets in reach and influence. 

The gatekeepers have been bypassed, and the audience now decides what content thrives.

For companies like Multichoice, which thrived on the subscription model for satellite television, the emergence of alternative digital entertainment has been both a challenge and an opportunity. 

Streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu and Disney+ have revolutionised how we consume entertainment. 

Viewers no longer need to adhere to strict programming schedules – instead, they can binge-watch entire seasons of their favourite shows at their convenience.

Moreover, user-generated content platforms have opened new avenues for creative expression. 

Independent filmmakers, musicians and artists can now reach global audiences without the backing of major studios or record labels.

 This shift has not only diversified the entertainment industry but has also empowered creators to tell stories that might have otherwise remained untold.

The financial sector, traditionally seen as a bastion of stability and control, has also felt the tremors of technological disruption. 

The advent of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum has introduced a new paradigm for wealth creation and management. 

Decentralised finance (DeFi) platforms allow users to lend, borrow and trade assets without intermediaries, challenging the hegemony of traditional banks.

Initially dismissed as a fringe phenomenon, cryptocurrencies have gained significant traction and legitimacy.

Major corporations and financial institutions are now investing in blockchain technology, recognising its potential to streamline processes, enhance security and reduce costs. 

The rise of digital currencies has also prompted central banks to explore the development of their digital currencies, signalling a shift towards a more digitised financial ecosystem.

At the heart of these transformations is a critical issue – control. 

In the past, a handful of powerful entities held control over media, entertainment and finance. They dictated what was available, how it was consumed, and who had access. 

This centralisation of control allowed them to shape public opinion, cultural trends and economic activities.

However, the digital revolution has shattered this illusion of control. 

Today, control is more diffuse and shared among countless individuals and decentralised platforms.

 This democratisation has empowered consumers and creators, giving them more autonomy and choice. 

It has also introduced new challenges, such as the proliferation of misinformation and the need for new regulatory frameworks.

The lesson from these seismic shifts is clear: complacency is not an option. 

Industries that once seemed impenetrable to change have been transformed by the relentless march of technology. 

To thrive in this dynamic environment, businesses and individuals alike must embrace innovation and remain swift.

As we look to the future, we must recognise that the next wave of disruption may be just around the corner. Whether it comes from advancements in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, or biotechnology, one thing is certain: those who are prepared to adapt and evolve will be the ones who succeed.

In a world where change is the only constant, staying ahead means never getting too comfortable with the status quo. The revolution may not always be visible on the horizon, but it is always on its way.

*Karlos The Great

E-mail: karlsimbumusic@gmail.com.Uncommon Sense is published bi-weekly in the New Era newspaper with contributions from Karlos Naimwhaka. YouTube channel: Karlos Lokos