Advantages and Disadvantages of Television
Television communication offers a variety of advantages and disadvantages to the programmer, advertiser, and viewer. For programmers and advertisers, the advantages of television include mass coverage throughout the world, re-play of programming and advertising, viewing flexibility (time and place), and prestige. ("I saw it on television" gives any statement interest and oftentimes validity).
The disadvantages of television are that the message is costly, and the message is temporary. Furthermore, television cannot be selective so that advertising and programs are sent to all audiences and cannot target specified groups.
Television offers viewers up-to-date information and entertainment;; a choice of stations;; and a connection with the world.
Three Types of Television Service
In most parts of the world, viewers can choose among three types of television service: commercial, cable, and public.
Commercial networks, like CNN and NBC, claim to have the ability to meet the information and entertainment needs of their viewing audience. These stations carry programs that are paid for by advertisers who, in exchange for their financial sponsorship, receive time on the air to advertise their products.