The Pros and Cons of Print and Online Media

I guess it is evident by now that I am definitely a supporter of printed media over online media. It is not hard for me to think of pros when it comes to print media. Narrowing it down to just two is what is hard for me. However when discussing the pros and cons of printed and online media, you will find that the pros of one are the cons of the other and vice versa. Check it out for yourself.

Accuracy and thoroughness in Reporting are two Pros of printed media and the lack of accuracy and thoroughness are two cons of online media: The most important thing about printed media is the fact that most reports are thoroughly checked for accuracy. Because most newspapers are printed once or twice a day, printed media has much more time to check facts and include all pertinent information necessary to the subject of the article. I was taught the importance of the five W’s early in my education and career in journalism. Who: What: When: Where: and Why! The inclusion of these facts was drilled into my head very early on that no article is complete without this information. In the race to be the first to report many news events, the five W’s are sometimes sacrificed for the scoop. It is important to me and should be for everyone else that all the information surrounding an important story be check for truthfulness. This prevents misinformation from being spread and leads too more informed readers. Newspapers and news magazines in my opinion have an advantage in these categories over online media.

Cost and Timeliness would be two negatives of printed media but pros for online media. To put it simply, if you can acquire news at no cost without waiting, you are more likely to prefer online media to printed media. Newspapers have to charge to stay in business. With many advertisers, the main source of newspaper revenue, preferring to reach larger audiences via the web, the minuscule amount of money newspapers charge per issue is necessary but also a hindrance to many who would prefer not to have to spend anything. As stated above, the fact that the information is available on the web before the printed newspaper is distributed is also con for the printed media industry.

What are some of your pros and cons relating to printed and online media?