Media mix
- Concept
Media mix refers to the planned, systematic, and purposeful combination of two or more communication media (individual, group, and mass media) used together to maximize communication effectiveness and adoption of innovations.
🔑 Standard Definition (Exam-Perfect)
Media mix is the integration of mass media and interpersonal communication so that the strength of one medium compensates for the weakness of another.
- Why Media Mix is Essential (Rationale)
- No single medium can satisfy all stages of learning
- People differ in literacy, interest, and perception
- Repetition through multiple media ensures reinforcement
- Increases credibility and trust
- Accelerates decision-making and adoption
- 🔑 Exam Line: Media mix bridges the gap between information and adoption.
- Media Mix in Extension Teaching–Learning Process
Based on Adoption Process
|
Stage |
Media Used |
Purpose |
|
Awareness |
Radio, TV, Newspaper |
Inform |
|
Interest |
Film show, Exhibition |
Arouse interest |
|
Evaluation |
Group discussion, Demonstration |
Convince |
|
Trial |
Minikit trial, Farm visit |
Experiment |
|
Adoption |
Individual contact, Follow-up |
Confirm |
⭐ Very High Probability MCQ Table
- Components of Media Mix
i) Mass Media (Awareness Stage)
- Radio, Television, Newspaper, Farm publications, Mobile & ICT tools
- Role: Rapid dissemination. Large coverage. Low cost per person
ii) Group Media (Skill & Conviction Stage)
- Method demonstration, Result demonstration, Training programme, Field day, Study tour
- Role: Learning by doing, Peer influence, Confidence building
iii) Individual Media (Adoption Stage)
- Farm & home visit, Farmer’s call, Personal letter, Telephone / Mobile advisory
- Role: Personal guidance, Problem solving, Feedback & follow-up
5. Principles of Media Mix (Highly Asked)
- Complementarity – Media should supplement each other
- Reinforcement – Same message repeated through different media
- Continuity – Communication must be continuous
- Sequence – Media should follow logical order
- Flexibility – Media choice must adapt to situation
- Audience Orientation – Based on literacy, age, and needs
- 🔑 Exam Trap: Media mix is planned, not random.
- Media Mix vs Single Medium (Critical Comparison)
|
Aspect |
Media Mix |
Single Medium |
|
Coverage |
Wide |
Limited |
|
Feedback |
High |
Low |
|
Credibility |
High |
Moderate |
|
Learning |
Deep |
Superficial |
|
Adoption |
Faster |
Slower |
|
Cost |
Efficient (long run) |
Inefficient |
- Media Mix in Extension Programme Planning
Media mix is applied in:
- Need identification
- Programme implementation
- Technology transfer
- Training & capacity building
- Monitoring & evaluation
🔑 Exam Line: Media mix strengthens extension effectiveness.
- Media Mix & Behavioural Change
Media mix supports:
- Cognitive change (knowledge) → Mass media
- Affective change (attitude) → Group media
- Psychomotor change (skill) → Individual media
One-Line HIGH-YIELD FACTS
- Media mix = combination of media
- Mass media creates awareness
- Group media builds skill
- Individual media ensures adoption
- Media mix is need-based
- Media mix accelerates technology transfer
