The print media continues to remain relevant despite the advent and popularity of the electronic media. People have learned the expediency of reading, and this makes the print media live on. Try as society may, it will be a herculean task to find an alternative that will manage to drive the print media out of business even as the world struggles to go paperless.
Information
The print media is at the forefront of disseminating information. Information is such a powerful tool and major democracies thrive on open debate and free flow of information between the governed and the governments. The development of the internet has made it possible for print media to publish breaking news within minutes of it happening anywhere in the world. Today, all major print media outlets have websites that are updated more frequently and contain archives of information.
Entertainment
Even at a time when television appears to rule the mass media, the print media maintain a niche in the world of entertainment. Humor columns, comics, feature stories, crossWord puzzles and Word and number games continue to stir interest for several readers. Also, several readers buy printed newspapers just for the purpose of catching up with featured sports stories.
Advertising
The print media has long been used for the purpose of advertising, which simply means to inform by passing information about products and services from the manufacturers to intended consumers. The aim of advertising is to try and influence the readers to make a decision, such as buying the advertised product/services. Despite all other avenues for advertising, including social media, the print media remains particularly important owing to the vast readership it enjoys. In this way, the print media is a major mover of the economy.
Persuasion
Nothing like the print media has the power to influence and change people's minds on world issues. The type of change it effects can also be used to call people to action. Many controversial topics have been put across subtly using the print media, and the results are usually long-lasting and effective. The colors, graphics and slogans of print media are used to persuade us and the messages are easily remembered. Even as technology develops new ways of communicating, the print media seems to be here to stay.
