- Communication media refers to various means or channels through which information is transmitted from one party to another. In today’s fast-paced world, businesses rely on various communication media to stay connected and to reach their target audience effectively.
- Some popular communication media include newspapers, radios, and cell phones.
- It’s important to note that the following is not an exhaustive list of media used by business to communicate, we have just chosen the common ones
Newspapers:
Newspapers are one of the oldest forms of communication media. They provide businesses with a platform to advertise their products and services to a wide audience. Some of the features of newspapers as a communication medium are:
- They have a broad reach and can cover a wide geographical area.
- They are affordable compared to other forms of media, making them a good option for small businesses with limited budgets.
- They offer a high level of credibility and are considered a trusted source of information by many people.
Example: A restaurant may place an ad in a local newspaper to promote a special offer or a new menu item.
Advantages:
- Newspapers have a broad reach, making them an effective way to target a large audience.
- They are cost-effective compared to other forms of media.
- They offer a high level of credibility and are considered a trusted source of information.
Disadvantages:
- They have a limited shelf life and are quickly replaced by newer editions.
- They are not interactive, and businesses cannot engage with their customers directly.
- They have limited targeting options, and businesses may not be able to reach their desired audience.
Radios:
Radios are another popular form of communication media, especially in areas where television and internet access is limited. They are a convenient way for businesses to reach their target audience, and they can be used for both advertising and public relations purposes. Some of the features of radios as a communication medium are:
- They are portable and can be accessed easily, making them a popular choice for people on the move.
- They have a broad reach and can cover a wide geographical area.
- They are affordable compared to other forms of media.
Example: A car dealership may sponsor a radio show to promote a new car model.
Advantages:
- Radios have a broad reach, making them an effective way to target a large audience.
- They are affordable compared to other forms of media.
- They are portable and can be accessed easily.
Disadvantages:
- They are not visual, and businesses cannot use images or videos to enhance their message.
- They have limited targeting options, and businesses may not be able to reach their desired audience.
- They have a limited shelf life, and businesses may need to run multiple ads to achieve their desired impact.
Cell Phones:
Cell phones are one of the most popular communication media today. They offer businesses an opportunity to reach their target audience directly and in real time. They are a convenient way for businesses to engage with their customers and to promote their products and services. Some of the features of cell phones as a communication medium are:
- They are portable and can be accessed easily, making them a popular choice for people on the move.
- They offer businesses an opportunity to reach their target audience directly and in real time.
- They are interactive, and businesses can engage with their customers directly through text messages or social media platforms.
Example: A clothing store may send promotional text messages to its customers to promote a new clothing line.
Advantages:
- Cell phones offer businesses a direct and real-time way to reach their target audience.
- They are interactive, and businesses can engage with their customers directly.
- They are portable and can be accessed easily.
Disadvantages:
- They can be intrusive, and businesses may need to be careful not to spam their customers
- Limited space for content
- Can be intrusive and unwanted
- Dependent on user access to technology and service providers.
- Customers hate advertisements as they consume data
TV:
- Audiovisual format with moving images and sound
- Broadcasts to a wide audience
- Can include advertising
- Can be used for entertainment, education, and news
Advantages of TV
- Has a wide reach and can reach a large audience
- Can convey emotions and images that other media cannot
- Can be used for both entertainment and educational purposes
- Can target specific audiences with specific programming
- Can be used to build brand awareness through advertising
Disadvantages of TV
- Can be expensive to produce and air
- The audience may not pay attention or may change channels during commercials
- May not be an effective medium for complex or in-depth information
- Limited audience interaction and feedback
- May not be accessible to all audiences, especially those without access to a TV or internet connection.
Email:
- An electronic means of sending messages and files between individuals or groups
- Can be sent and received instantly from any location with internet access
- Allows for attachments, such as documents and images
- Can be organized into folders and searched for easy retrieval
- Can be sent to multiple recipients simultaneously
- Can include formatting options, such as font size and colour, and hyperlinks
Advantages:
- Quick and easy communication, allowing for efficient collaboration
- Provides a written record of communication for future reference and accountability
- Allows for communication across different time zones and locations
- Can be accessed on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers
- Reduces the need for printing and physical mail
Disadvantages:
- Can be impersonal and lack the nuance and tone of face-to-face communication
- Can lead to misinterpretation or confusion if messages are not clear or concise
- Can be easily ignored or overlooked if recipients are inundated with emails
- Can be susceptible to security breaches or hacking if not properly protected
- Can contribute to a culture of constant connectivity and difficulty in disconnecting from work
Zoom:
- A video conferencing platform that allows for remote meetings and collaboration
- Can include video, audio, and chat functions
- Can be accessed on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers
- Can be used for webinars, virtual events, and online classes
- Allows for screen sharing and virtual backgrounds
- Offers recording and transcription options
Advantages:
- Facilitates remote collaboration and communication, reducing the need for travel
- Can increase productivity by allowing for efficient virtual meetings
- Offers the ability to record and review meetings for future reference
- Can provide a more personal connection than email or phone communication
- Allows for virtual events and online classes, expanding access and reach
Disadvantages:
- Can be susceptible to technical difficulties, such as poor internet connection or software malfunctions
- Can be impersonal and lack the nuance and tone of face-to-face communication
- Can be difficult to maintain engagement and focus during long virtual meetings
- Can contribute to fatigue and burnout if overused or improperly managed
- Can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the technology or uncomfortable with virtual communication.
Memorandum
A memorandum (or memo) is a written document used for internal communication within an organization. It is usually short, concise, and to the point. Memos are commonly used to inform, request, or remind employees about something related to their work.
Here are some key features of a memorandum:
- Heading: The heading usually includes the word “memorandum” or “memo,” the date, the recipient’s name or department, and the name of the sender or the sender’s department.
- Purpose: The purpose of the memo is stated clearly in the first paragraph. This can be a request for action, an announcement, a reminder, or a report of some kind.
- Body: The body of the memo contains the information that the sender wants to convey. It should be organized in a logical and easy-to-read manner. Bullets or numbered lists can be used to make the information more digestible.
- Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the key points of the memo and provide any necessary recommendations or instructions.
- Signature: The memo should be signed by the sender, usually at the end of the conclusion.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of using memos as a communication tool:
Advantages:
- Memos are quick and easy to write, edit, and distribute.
- They can be used to communicate information to a large number of people at once.
- Memos can be used to provide a record of communication and decisions made within an organization.
- They can be used to convey important information in a formal manner.
Disadvantages:
- Memos can be impersonal and lack the personal touch of face-to-face communication.
- They can be easily ignored or overlooked if the recipient receives a lot of them.
- If not written clearly and concisely, they can be confusing and lead to misunderstandings.
- Memos can be misinterpreted or misunderstood, particularly if the tone is unclear.
