When asked what do you like to do in your spare time, one may answer eat, sleep, listen to the radio, read or watch television. Although these answers may seem generic, they provide a lot of valid information. With new advances in technology, the old –fashioned ways seem to have become non-existent. The popular method of obtaining current events and other information are no longer in ink. People prefer broadcast media or computer technology when interested in learning more about local, national, or international news.
The source where one acquires his/her information is a result of personal preference. If one likes to read, you can assume that that person would prefer the newspaper and vice versa. If one obtains the news from the television or the newspaper it is likely that he/she will receive the same information. Each form of journalism caters to a specific person. For example, if one was constantly busy and only had time to relax on his/her way to work, this person would prefer the papers. However, if a person worked nights and had a lot of free time on his/her hands, he/she would probably prefer the television. Many other factors influence a person’s journalistic preference.
The future is more media and technologically based. Although “…improvements in printing and newspaper design…” have been made, it is incomparable to the advances in television journalism and computer technology. “According to surveys, 44 percent of Americans get all their news from television vs. 20 percent from newspapers…” The newer methods of gathering information are obviously much faster and more efficient. When writing an article in the paper, one is limited to a designated column space. The television allows more time and more words may be spoken. In a study, it was found that “…television coverage actually exceeded that of newspapers”, when it came to key news events. Computers also offer people the chance to download newspaper articles rather than purchasing and entire newspaper. The periodicals are slowly disappearing as the years progress and technology advances.
In a few years, when asked how do you obtain your current events, the answer will be by television or computer. Reading the paper will be a pastime. The newer technology will be easier to operate, faster, affordable and available for everyone to use.
