by Byron Gordon

Created on: October 24, 2008

Radio is more useful than television because less equipment is needed in order to broadcast from it. The next time you watch a television press conference, observe all of the camera equipment. For radio, all that is required is a small recording device which makes the reporter much more agile in covering stories and not requiring the needs of a tv camera operator.

Radio allows the listener to actually concentrate more on what's being said, rather than be distracted by what one is watching. Case in point, the presidential debates. While most people who watch the televised debates attempt to seriously listen to what the candidates are saying, they still can't help but be distracted by a candidate's physical appearance and/or gestures. Al Gore, for example, in his debates with George W. Bush back in 2000, was seen sighing in disbelief at some of the statements and assertions made by Bush. This affected viewers and painted Gore as something of a "sourpuss." Cut to eight years later and during the McCain and Obama debates, you could effectively tell that each time McCain would criticize Obama, Obama's visible reaction was a huge smile or grin across his face. Political consultants coach candidates on how to respond with the appropriate gestures for television and it is critical for political candidates not to express or emote any visible signs of negativity, anguish or frustration.

But in radio, it's not necessary for someone to worry about what they are wearing, or if enough make-up was put on their face and whether they smile or frown. Yes, emotions can be expressed just the same through radio but the medium allows listeners to concentrate much more succinctly on what's being said rather than being distracted by how the person looks.

While television provides the viewer with a graphic representation of what's being shown, radio uses audio. Yes, graphic depictions of almost anything are quick to incite a response from the viewer. But at the same time, an audio clip can essentially do just the same. Think of any famous incident since the dawn of the broadasting age. Radio came first before television. Radio has covered every incident possible along with television. I didn't have to see a plane smashing into the Twin Towers in order to visualize what happened. I first heard about 911 on the radio. I'll never forget where I was, what I was doing and what time of the day it was. 911 is seared in my mind by radio, not television. Just as important, consider all of the time you spend (or waste) driving a vehicle. You can't watch tv and drive at the same time (and good luck if you try). Radio continues to serve the vital function of providing news, music and commentary without requiring a visual component, making it more accessible than television.

Learn more about this author, Byron Gordon.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.