Question

Hold a discussion in the classroom about the differences between printed newspapers, radio news bulletins, TV news bulletins. Discuss the merits, demerits, and popularity of each.

Answer 1

The merits and demerits of the print Media are as follows:

1. Print Media (Newspapers):
   1. Merits: These are more accessible. They are available at a low cost.
      They are also delivered at one's doorstep. Besides this, one can always choose to read news of one's choice by just turning over the page. It does not make use of electricity. and hence has more appeal even in the rural areas.
   2. Demerits: The illiterate cannot make use of the Print Media. It occupies more space after some time when the newspapers pile up. It does not lend itself to any kind of discussion and usually, the news articles are based on the opinions of the reporter. Many times, advertisements take up more space than actual news articles.
2. Electronic Media:
   1. Merits: The T.V. appeals to the sense of hearing and sight hence, even the illiterate can make use of it. It is more lively as the person can see the reporter or the panel discussing a given topic. Various news channels offer a wide variety of topics of one's interest. An animated map with a weather forecast is much more interesting to see as compared to reading it in black and white.
   2. Demerits: Not everyone can afford a T.V or a Radio in the remotest of villages as electricity is a major concern. The news presented on Radio does not stay for more than a few seconds hence it has a less permanent impact. News is presented in a very sensational manner with often no authenticity. Under such circumstances, instead of presenting 'news', the channels end up presenting 'views'.