Difference between newspaper and TV as information sources.

In era of wisdom in which a high value will be placed on information, both sources are beneficial to all of us as information sources. I believe that TV has some advantages against newspaper.

First, prompt announcement or quick report. Newspaper doesn’t have this significant feature. Newspaper has extra edition as solution which needs quick report. But it’s still too slow to distribute information. For example, Earthquake Early Warnings. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) is providing residents in Japan with Earthquake Early Warnings, new prompt earthquake alerts to be issued immediately after the occurrence of earthquakes, in order to secure time to protect yourself before strong tremors arrive. On 1 October 2007, JMA started providing Earthquake Early Warning through several means such as TV. We can’t wait for the issue of extra edition.

Second, graphic depiction. As proverb goes, the picture is worth a thousand words. This feature is beyond newspaper's power. For example, September 11 terrorism attacks.

I was so shocked by the showing clips of the moment that aircrafts crashed into the world trade center buildings. Photos and text based-article on newspaper are good sources. However, moving images on TV have more emotional weight. I remember clearly that I had a strong impression that TV excels newspaper to send direct image.

In conclusion, I believe that TV has at least two advantages against newspaper. Those are quick report and graphic depiction.