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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