Difference between Print Media and Online Media
In mass communication, media refers to the means of mass communication that help spread information or news related to different sectors like sports, education, entertainment, politics, etc., to a large population in a short period of time. Print media and online media are two of the major forms of mass media. Let us see they differ from each other!
Print Media: Print media is one of the oldest means of disseminating information. It is a popular form of advertising that uses physically printed media like newspapers and magazines. Print media has the ability to reach a wider section of people. It is produced by printing, a process which reproduces text and images on paper using ink in a printing press. In other words, it uses printing technology and methods to spread news, messages, information among the people. The two main types of print media include:
- Newspapers: It provides correct and authentic information in the form of news, articles and advertisement in a regular manner and presents them in an attractive way to grab readers, attention.
- Magazines: A magazine generally contains feature stories, interviews, interpretation, research and analysis related content and generally gives emphasis on a particular topic such as fashion, automobiles, health, etc.
Online Media: Online media is a media that can be shared on electronic devices, smart phones for the audience viewing and can be broadcasted to the wider population. It is a powerful version of media that has visual appeal and is more convincing as people can see live pictures of events, can view or read text or images on electronic devices, smart phones etc. Online media remains active 24x7. In order to get updated news and information about events immediately you can use it at any time of the day on electronic devices, smart phones.
Based on the above information, some of the key differences between print media and online media are as follows:
| Print media | Online media |
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It is one of the earliest forms of media. |
It is a more advanced form of media. |
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Print media tends to retain its form. |
Online media can be edited, e.g. people can edit information, videos, songs, texts and then send to other viewers. |
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It is slower than online media as printing newspaper, magazines, etc. takes a lot of time. |
It is much faster than print media as writing and uploading a story that has happened just a few moments ago may take only a few minutes. |
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It is not available 24x7, rather at regular intervals, e.g. daily newspaper, weekly or monthly editions of magazines, etc. |
It is available 24x7. |
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The reach of print media is limited, e.g. it covers a particular region, city, etc. |
The reach of online media is worldwide; it can send information across the world. |
