SH1904
TYPES OF MEDIA
Media is the channel and means of communication and transfer of information. However, not all media can
and should be used for the same purposes and in context. Which is why there are different types of media present.
Media can be categorized into two (2) major ways: how it transfers information and where the information is from or
will be transferred.
MEDIA TYPES ACCORDING TO MEANS OF
TRANSFER
This category classifies media based on how it
presents information. It is important to understand
media in this category to determine which media is
best used in certain scenarios, with different types of
information, and to reach specific audiences.
1. Print Media
• A type of media that involves the use of a
physical media (usually paper) and is
distributed by a publishing company.
Publishing companies are divided into two
(2) sectors: the reporters (content writers) and
editors (reviewers).
• Takes time to produce and distribute due to
the long process between reporters and
editors
• Very effective in establishing believability
and credibility due to the production process.
Consumers will rely on the information being
presented as facts and accurate sources.
• Perfect for local audiences and engages the
users as it involves physical interaction;
because of its low production cost, this
medium can be easily mass-produced to
reach larger audiences.
• Has a smaller audience as compared to the
other media types, especially with the rise of
digital media; because of its low-cost
production the quality of the printed material
is also limited.
• Examples: newspapers, magazines,
pamphlets, books, and flyers
2. Outdoor Media
• A type of media that is specific to out-of-
home advertising, which takes many forms.
The main goal of this media is to reach a large
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audience that travels or goes outside;
information is brief, catchy, and highly
descriptive of the product.
• Involves creative design and placement to
attract audiences. It is a passive media as
compared to the other media types.
• A very effective way to reach a large and
diverse audience. By strategic placement, this
media can reach desired audiences while also
gaining new ones. This is why most brand
companies and products advertise themselves
using billboards.
• May not immediately grasp the information
being presented since the concept relies on
audiences being outdoors and most likely
moving. In addition, the production and
placement of this type of media are very
costly, which is why strategy is a crucial
component when making use of this medium.
• Examples: billboards, road signs, posters,
and mobile billboards
3. Broadcast Media
• The most effective type of media that
transmits information immediately to its
audience
• A practical and convenient way to reach very
large audiences in real-time and is most often
used for news reports, unlike print media
which takes time for information to be
transferred
• Perfect for information that needs to reach
very large audiences and in different
platforms. However, it is prone to multiple
disadvantages albeit flexible and effective
• Requires a high cost to produce; although this
is easily countered by the high turnover for
exposure and audience engagement, the
competition among companies is prevalent
due to the saturated medium.
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• Examples: radio, television, speaker, and

telephone

4. Digital Media
• A type of media that makes use of one of the
most innovative and effective technologies—
the Internet.
• Also referred to as “new media,” this media
uses the Internet to not only transfer
information immediately, but also actively
engages the users or audience
• Makes use of the other forms of media in an
event called media convergence.
• Has such an intimate and significant
influence on information, culture, and society
as a whole that it evolves faster than the other
media types. It handles different types of
information, such as personal, factual,
cultural, etc., and transfers information
immediately while covering the largest
audience
• Can be divided into three (3) main categories:
blogs and articles, social media, and
interactive media. Although these three (3)
categories fall under digital media and share
similar characteristics, they possess unique
traits and benefits that differentiate
themselves.
• Examples: blogs, online news, social media,
virtual reality, video games, Web pages,
applications, and databases

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MEDIA TYPE PROS (ADVANTAGES) CONS (DISADVANTAGES)

• Low production costs • Oversaturated market

• Information undergoes heavy • Limited audience due to the rise of
Print screening more engaging media
• Appeals to target audience • Smaller market as compared to other
effectively media
• Large and diverse audience • High initial costs
• Can target and convert new • Poor location has a significant
Outdoor audiences impact
• High impact if location and design • Only short messages can be placed
are good
• Immediate delivery of information • Heavy competition for audience
• Diverse format and availability attention and retention
Broadcast • Appeal to large audiences • High cost for production
• Convenient • Message does not last
• Immediate delivery of information • Not secure for users or information
• High user engagement and • Information needs to be checked for
interactivity credibility and validity
Digital • Highly customizable and can be • Transfer of information whether
personalized for audience good, bad, accurate, or inaccurate is
• Rapidly evolving done fast
• Convenient and efficient

REFERENCES:
Ayres, C. (2016, August 18). 6 advantages and disadvantages of billboard advertising [Web log post]. Retrieved
from https://connectusfund.org/6-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-billboard-advertising
Del Amo, V. (2017, January 13). Types of media in the digital era. Retrieved from Marbella International University
Centre: https://www.miuc.org/types-of-media/
Revano, T. F. (2016). Media and information literacy for senior high school. Manila: Mindshapers Co., Inc.
Southeastern University Online Learning (2016, February 20). 5 types of new media. Retrieved from
https://online.seu.edu/articles/5-types-of-new-media/

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