PRINT MEDIA: FEATURES, BENEFITS AND EXAMPLES - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The print media are any form of written communication or pictorial produced mechanically or electronically by printing, photocopying or digital methods, from which multiple copies can be made by automated processes.

More specifically, they are any "ink and paper" form of communication, not handwritten or typed, including books, circulars, magazines, lithographs, memos, magazines, newspapers, brochures, periodicals, and other forms of printed material.

Source: pixabay.com

The industry that is dedicated to the printing and distribution of media through publications, such as magazines and newspapers, is also called this way.

They are one of the oldest and most basic forms of communication in existence. Before the invention and widespread use of printing presses, printed materials had to be handwritten.

The contribution of these media in the provision of information and knowledge transfer is remarkable. Even after the advent of electronic media, print media has not lost its charm or relevance.

characteristics

The main use of print media is to disseminate information about events and news, as it is the fastest way to reach the public. Apart from that, they provide a lot of entertainment to the readers.

Although the expansion of digital media has affected the use of print, it is still a viable form of advertising.

Mass circulation

Newspapers are the most common print media. Delivered to the home or sold at a newsstand, newspapers can be published daily, weekly, or monthly.

The newspaper has the advantage of providing fast, inexpensive and tangible delivery of both news and advertising. You cannot clip a pizza coupon from a radio ad.

On the other hand, magazines regularly deliver what the newspaper cannot: in-depth coverage and analysis of specific events, not just the news of the day.

For these print media, information is the way to attract potential readers and customers.

Delivery

Print media should be put in the hands of the customer, who is the one who reads the material and responds to the advertisements. In most areas newspapers are delivered to your doorstep.

Another method is to deliver by mail. In fact, the mass delivery of newspapers, magazines, brochures and newsletters represents one of the most important sources of income for the postal service in many countries.

There's also door-to-door delivery and distribution in crowded places: stores, events, and on busy sidewalks.

Print media production

Whether producing a million copies of the print medium, or a hundred copies made at a local store, the goal is the same: to produce printed material that balances quality with price, and message with content.

Advantage

- Print media has a greater impact on the mind of the reader, with deeper reporting and analysis.

- Among the main strengths of printing with respect to digital are tangibility, an enduring message and high credibility. Some people prefer to read print media rather than digital formats.

- They are an easy medium to spread in any particular geographic area. For example, a local newspaper is the best way to spread the news about any local event.

- Flashy magazines are always popular with consumers. They are often read in a particular period of time. Monthly magazines are the best way to draw attention to any advertisement.

- Some forms of print media have a large following, because they are reliable. This is a great push to attract readers.

- They allow you to choose your own space for advertising. Therefore, the budget can be managed when advertising is planned.

Disadvantages

- If you are looking for a global audience, this is not the medium to use. Instead, the Internet has a much wider reach than the print media.

- Placing an ad in print media requires a lot of planning and time. In this case, you face a flexibility problem, especially when working on tight deadlines.

- There are many limitations when addressing an audience, as a particular newspaper may not be available to the audience at all times. On the other hand, a person can access the Internet from anywhere and at any time.

- An ad could be lost among all the other ads and editorials. Also, the shelf life of newspapers and magazines is very short, as people tend to throw or put them away after a day of reading.

Examples

Newspapers

They are the most popular form of print media. They are delivered to the home or are available at kiosks. It is the cheapest way to quickly reach a large mass of people.

Different types of newspapers serve different audiences, and a particular category can be selected

Newsletters

They are posts that cover a main topic. People have to subscribe to the newsletters, often for free.

They are used as sources of information for neighborhoods, communities and groups that have an interest in a particular topic or event. They are also used for promotional purposes, political campaigns or causes.

Journals

They provide detailed articles on various topics such as food, fashion, sports, finance, etc. They are published periodically. Many of them are sold all over the world.

Banners

They are made of cloth or paper. They are used to display slogans, logos or some messages.

They are also used to advertise brands, give names of products or services that are provided.

Billboards

Most have gone digital, but they do qualify under the print media category - ads are, after all, printed on billboards. They include text and graphics, in combination, to make them more attractive.

books

They are the oldest form of print media, used as a means of communication and information. They provide an opportunity for writers to spread their knowledge on a particular topic.

It comprises various subjects, such as literature, history, essays and many more, which not only increase our knowledge, but also entertain us.

Brochures

Also known as pamphlets, they are a type of booklet that contains the details of the company or organization.

In general, brochures are to go, in order to keep the brand in the mind of the audience.

Frills

Some of the larger companies may not use this type of medium for advertising, but it can be very useful for small organizations to generate business. They should be sharp and eye-catching to attract people's attention.

References

1. Stella Perry (2018). What is print media? Quora. Taken from: quora.com.
2. Marketing Wit (2018). Different Types of Print Media: All Effective in their Own Ways. Taken from: marketingwit.com.
3. Barbara Bean-Mellinger (2018). Introduction of Print Media. Taken from: bizfluent.com.
4. Fedena (2014). The Advantages and Disadvantages of Print Media. Taken from: fedena.com.
5. Wesley Tucker (2017). What Are the Characteristics of Print Media? Bizfluent Taken from: bizfluent.com.