Media Technologies

          There are many different types of media technologies available. The four media technologies I chose to discuss are broadcast media, print media, internet media, and outdoor media. Broadcast media consists of using the television and radio to relay their messages to their audiences. These types of media are most often used and can send information out to large amounts of people in a short amount of time. The use of the radio “remains the most powerful, and yet the cheapest, mass medium for reaching large numbers of people in isolated areas” (FAO, 2012). A lot of older individuals rely more on broadcast media as their main source for obtaining information.

        Print media consists of using magazines and newspapers. Many people use this type of media as a source to obtain information. The use of magazines and newspapers are declining with the increasing use of the internet and everything going digital. Although this is true, “many tech-savvy people prefer to read an actual newspaper or magazine as opposed to reading it online” (Stefano, 2008).

        The internet media is one of the main ways to relay messages to your audience. The internet is popular among everyone especially younger and middle aged audiences and is one of the quickest ways to find out information and to pass on information. A person can use the internet to find out information about numerous different topics. You can use the internet to check out the weather and local news in your area or to even find out what news is going on in other parts of the country and world.

        The use of social networking sites allows individuals to keep in touch with each other and relay messages and information that way. I must say I am not too big of a fan about this. I seem to find out things that happen back home through Facebook before I hear it from my family. My father had a heart attack a couple of days ago and before my Mother could even get a hold of me or my siblings to let us know someone had already posted about it on Facebook and that was how I had found out. Although it is a quick way to send out information it should still be used tactfully and in the right manner.

        The last type of media technology I chose is the use of outdoor media. Outdoor media consists of using billboards and fliers to relay their messages to their audience. The audience for this type of media depends on what is being advertised and the location of your billboards and fliers is important. This is one of the least effective types to use because your message will only be received if your audience sees your billboards and fliers. That means people have to be in the area where your things are being advertised and they must be placed in a way they can be easily viewed.

References

FAO. (2012). Communication approaches. Retrieved on April 19, 2012 from http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/X2550E/X2550e04.htm.

Stefano, T. (2008). Print Media vs. E-Media: The Battle Is On. Retrieved on April 19, 2012 from http://www.technewsworld.com/story/publishing/64244.html.