Information Sheet 3.1 Media Decision Learning Objectives: Page - 1
Information Sheet 3.1 Media Decision Learning Objectives: Page - 1
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Media Decision
Learning Objectives
After reading this Information Sheet, you must be able to:
Understand the concept of media planning
Acquainted with the basic terms used in media planning
Appreciate the different types of media
Evaluate mass media types and develop media strategies
Understand the characteristics of different media
Introduction:
The media planning process is not an easy one. There many options
which include mass media such as television, newspaper, radio, and
magazines as well as out of home media such as outdoor advertising, transit
advertising, and electronic billboards. A variety of support media such as
direct marketing, interactive media, promotional products advertising, and in-
store point-of-purchase options must also be considered. The importance of
media planning as a function has grown immensely with the coming of cable
and satellite channels and the emergence of new media such as the Internet
and mobile phones.
Types of Media
The media class refers to the general category of message delivery
systems available to carry advertising message to a target audience.
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Media planning is the series of decisions involved in delivering the
promotional message to the prospective purchaser and/or users of the
product or brand. Media planning is a process, which means a number of
decisions are made, each of which may be altered or abandoned as the plan
develops.
Developing the Media Plan
Developing media planning involves a series of stages as follows:
1. Market analysis and target market identification
2. Establishment of media objectives
3. Media strategy development and implementation
4. Evaluation and follow up
Where to Promote
The question where to promote is related to geographical considerations.
Organisations often find that sales are stronger in one area of the country or
the world than another and may allocate advertising expenditures according
to the market potential of an area.
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1. Establishment of Media Objectives
Just as the situation analysis leads to establishment of marketing and
communication objectives are not ends in themselves. Rather, they are
designed to lead to the attainment of communications and marketing
objectives. Media objectives are the goals for the media program and should
be limited to those that can be accomplished through media strategies.
Geographic Coverage
Geographic coverage is an important consideration for the media
planning process. The demand for certain types of products depends on the
geographic locations of market.
Scheduling
It is neither possible nor necessary for the companies to keep their
advertising in front of consumers at all times as a constant reminder of the
product or brand. Media schedule is the calendar of advertising plan.
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Scheduling is connected with timing the insertion of advertisements in the
selected media. Decision in this area are essentially based on
certain assumptions regarding how the target audience will respond to the
presence or absence of the advertising messages with respect to the set of
advertising objectives, such as product recall or attitudes. There are three
approaches to scheduling:
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