Communication Media

Study Notes

Communication media are tools for sharing information with a target audience. They are often used for updates, announcements, or campaigns.

Newsletters are communication tools to share information with a specific audience.
They can be printed or digital.
Printed newsletters are good for direct, personal delivery.
Digital options, like e-publications, are more accessible to reach a wider audience.
Design tips for newsletters include:
- Avoid cramming, leave white space.
- Use clear, readable fonts.
- Use columns for images and diagrams.
- Use bold for headings instead of underlines.
- Use real photos instead of clip art for better engagement.

Posters are visual tools for attention-grabbing and publicizing events (sports, movies, announcements).
Their placement in public areas maximizes visibility.
Key elements of different poster types:
- Sporting Event Posters: List event details (name, date, time, location), admission (ticket prices), contact info, and additional information (e.g., crèche availability).
- Movie Posters: Include eye-catching visuals representing the movie genre, release date, and main cast to attract fans.

Design tips for effective posters include:
- Bold headings to grab attention.
- Concise and impactful text.
- High-quality, relevant images.
- Readable fonts clearly visible from a distance.

Reasons to use websites:
- Global reach: Worldwide access without physical distribution.
- Cost savings: Avoid paper, printing, and delivery expenses.
Options for website advertising:
- Developing your own website: Requires web designers, hardware, software; security measures (to prevent hacking and pharming); and potentially higher initial setup and maintenance costs.
- Advertising on an existing website: Outsource paid advertising on other websites for quicker implementation.

Advantages:
- Incorporate sound/video/animations.
- Link to other pages/websites using hyperlinks.
- Allow users to navigate information easily.
- Provide detailed information about website visitors.
- Reach a global audience.
- Enable easy updates without reprints.
Disadvantages:
- Risk of hacking and viruses.
- Need for stable internet connection.
- Potential for navigating to undesirable websites.
- Website maintenance costs.
- Difficulty targeting a specific audience.
- Need for strategies to attract website visitors.

Streaming is watching movies, videos, or listening to music on devices connected to the internet without downloading.
It involves continuous transmission of files from a remote server.
Real-time data transmission is a unique feature of streaming.
Unlike downloading, streaming does not consume extensive storage.

Files are sent in data packets.
Web browsers interpret and process these packets.
Stable internet connections are crucial for smooth playback.
Data packets are buffered in the computer allowing for consistent playback without interruptions.
A large buffer reduces the chance of freezing.