Sectors of the Media Industry

Traditional Media

Traditional media refers to sectors that existed and operated before the widespread use of computers and the internet. Products in these sectors were originally created and distributed using non-digital methods, such as physical film reels, printed pages, or analogue radio signals.

There are four traditional media sectors you need to know:

Film is the production and distribution of moving image content intended for cinema release. Historically, films were shot on physical celluloid and screened in dedicated theatres. The film sector has always been expensive to operate, relying on large studios, skilled crews, and extensive distribution networks.

Television involves the production and broadcast of moving image and audio content to audiences via a TV signal. Traditional TV broadcasting used analogue signals sent over the airwaves or through cable networks. Scheduled programming — where audiences tuned in at a fixed time — was the cornerstone of the sector.

Radio is the broadcast of audio content to audiences via radio waves. Like television, early radio relied entirely on analogue transmission, and listeners tuned into scheduled programmes. Radio stations range from large national broadcasters to small community stations.

Print publishing covers the production of physical printed materials such as newspapers, magazines, and books. Content is reproduced in bulk using printing presses and physically distributed to shops, homes, and libraries.

As a rule, traditional media sectors are better at reaching older audiences who are less likely to engage with digital content. They carry a sense of credibility and permanence that some digital content lacks, but they tend to be more expensive to produce and distribute, and content cannot easily be updated or interacted with once published.