Perceived Usefulness of Advertising Media

Advertising effectiveness depends on good media selection. Media decisions are typically based upon consummatory, or usage, measures. Though perceived usefulness (instrumental media behaviour) is generally not a consideration, consumers′ perceptions of media types as useful have definite implications for advertising and promotional decisions. Moreover, perceived usefulness of a media type cannot simply be inferred from usage data. This study examines both the reported use of and perceived usefulness of media categories. Though newspapers were reported by respondents to be the most useful media type, the relationship between amount of use (consummatory) and perceived usefulness (instrumental) was strongest for magazines and radio. Findings suggest that television advertising may have less impact, and radio advertising greater impact than often assumed. Findings also suggest a segment of instrumentally prone media users.