According to Meyrowitz, “media theory is a special type of media study that focuses on such characteristics of each medium and on how each medium is physically, socially, and psychologically distinct from other media.” Therefore, when looking at mediums it is good to compare and contrast. What can print do that radio can’t? What can radio do that TV can’t? “How do the characteristics of each medium differ from those of other means if communication?”

So lets look at radio, print, TV and the internet and consider the their individual strengths and weaknesses.

Radio 

Strengths

  • Wide spread
  • Affordable
  • Allows for a variety of broadcasts
  • Can easily present different kinds of information to audiences (ads, news, entertainment)
  • Different purposes (news, entertainment)

Weaknesses

  • Not interactive
  • Not as engaging as other mediums
  • Limited it audio
  • Redistricted to the one sense (hearing)

Print

Strengths

  • Cheap
  • Wide spread
  • Provides great deal of information for low cost
  • Easily accessible

Weaknesses

  • Limited to what can be said in words
  • Can not provide up to date information on developing events

TV

Strengths

  • Engaging
  • Multiple purposes (new, entertainment, advertising)
  • Show events as they develop on the news

Weaknesses

  • More expensive
  • Information coming from one offical body (bias?)

Internet

Strengths

  • Information shared easily
  • Combines all other mediums
  • Provides users to share information/material

Weakness

  • Difficult to regulate
  • Anyone can say anything
  • Can be used in negative ways (bullying)