WEB MEDIA ADVANTAGES
Advantages of Web Media compared with Radio and Television Media
24 Hour Access:
A religious radio or TV program usually broadcasts only once a week for a 15 or 30 minute time slot. The information on a website is communicated continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
World-wide Coverage:
Radio and TV broadcasts have a limited coverage area. Even when a program is syndicated, the coverage is very rarely nation-wide. A single website on a server computer can potentially reach every Internet user in the whole world -- every minute of the day!
Choice of Topics:
A radio or TV program usually presents only one topic for each broadcast. A website offers a whole selection of topics designed to appeal to the varied personal interests and needs of visitors.
Low Cost:
Radio and TV broadcasting is inherently expensive. By comparison, the cost to construct, host and maintain a website is far less expensive.
Operational Flexibility:
Because Web ministry is based upon information residing on host computers, it is not burdened with extensive facilities. Operations can be flexible and more easily reconfigured in conformity to budgets without radically effecting the basic mission to communicate global information 24 hours a day.
Direct Link To Local Adventist Churches:
A radio or TV broadcast must use “mailing offers” and “1-800” phone services to obtain contact names that can be forwarded to a local Adventist church. An outreach website using geographical “church locator” technology can directly link a site visitor to the website home-page of a local Adventist church operating in their area. There is no cost involved in this referral process.
PEOPLE'S PREFERENCE -- INTERNET vs TV
New Paradigm, a Toronto-based think-tank, did a comprehensive survey in 12 countries covering more than 7,600 young people ages 16-29. This age group is referred to as the digital-savvy "Net Generation (N-Geners)". The survey showed that 77% of today's online young people would sooner live without television than live without the Internet.
China has the most devoted young Internet users, with 87% choosing the Internet compared to 13% favoring television. In the United States the figures were 77% for the Internet and 23% for TV.
Commenting on why so many “N-Geners” choose the Internet over TV, New Paradigm founder Don Tapscott said, "television is unidirectional and passive, and doesn't allow meaningful participation by the viewer. In contrast, the Internet enables users to find and share information and take action."
Internet and Television in Japan
A 2008 general population survey in Japan by JR Tokai Express Research asked the following question:
“If you were to install just one at home, which would you choose, Internet or television?”
The survey found that 53% favored the Internet, 31% favored TV, and 16% were undecided.
When asked, “Do you feel you get more useful information from the Internet or from television?”
66% chose the Internet, 10% chose TV, and 24% were undecided.
When asked, “Which do you feel is more fun, the internet or television?”
44% chose the Internet, 21% chose TV, and 35% were undecided.
These surveys show that the next generation has a very strong preference for the Internet media over traditional Television programming.
