The print media has little significance in shaping public reaction to political events in
this age of CNN and news ON-LINE. This is because of the audience, work, and time
involved in each. That is, the number of people that each reaches, the amount of work
involved to get the scoop, and the amount of time it takes each to broadcast the news.
The first reason, the amount of people that the news reaches, is probably the biggest
factor. Television is watched by most of the population whereas, the amount of people
that receive a newspaper, or other source of obtaining news information, such as
NEWSWEEK, is considerably less. Also, television offers a variety of channels and
programs, which means a more complete story, as opposed to a newspaper which might only
offer one view.
Another reason that television is preferred to print is because of the amount of work
involved. The newspaper, or a magazine, is something that you have to go out and get, or
even worse, wait for. News is not readily available, and waiting can be unpleasant if you
are anxious for the inside scoop. Television, on the other hand, is available on a daily
basis, and it can be turned on at any. Satellite owners have an even greater advantage,
they can find global news and have a greater number of choices such as which news program
to watch. Also, if a person is illiterate or a poor reader, it is quite obvious that they
will choose television over a newspaper. Television is a much easier alternative than
obtaining news through print.
A third and very important reason that print is the less effective method of obtaining
information is time. It takes much longer than watching television or listening to the
radio. For example, if a person works a lot and spends his other time taking care of a
family and driving to and from work, then that person is going to choose the radio over
the newspaper. Also, the radio is free, whereas a newspaper costs money.
The print media is less effective because of these reasons. If newspapers wanted to be
more effective than they would have to lower the amount of time and effort involved in
reading the paper, and they would have to reach a greater audience. If they were to do
this then they would probably be much more effective. But until they do this, the print
media will never be as effective as television or the radio.
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