Mass media and it's importance
"Mass communication--wonder as it may be technologically and something to be appreciated and valued--presents us wit a serious daner, the danger of conformism, due to the fact that we all view the same things at the same time in all the cities of the country".
(p. 73)
-Rollo May, The Courage to Create
Media is a vehicle or means of communication that disseminates information from the source to the target public and any media intended for the larger audience is called mass media. From pictorial representations in the early age, massive production of newspapers, fancy videos on television to high-tech media combining the Internet and computers, there are variations in the type of mass media. Being the prime source of information, entertainment, marketing, advertising media, and motivation for everyone and everywhere in the world, you will, through this blog, learn about the different types of mass media and how it influences us!
What is Mass Media?
To put it simply, Mass Media can be defined as a technology which is intended to communicate or reach a mass audience. Mass media is actually the primary means of communication for the general public to communicate with each other as well as on a grander level. The most popular types of mass media include Newspapers, Radio, Television, Internet, Magazines and more! Mass Communication refers to the process of disseminating and exchanging information through diverse media platforms to reach the masses. Mass Communication is different from Mass Media because various forms of mass media like TV, Radio, the Internet, Print Media, Outdoor Media, etc. are used to facilitate mass communication, i.e. communicate certain information to the masses.
The most common types of Mass Communication are:
- Journalism
- Social Media
- Films
- Television
- Radio
- Advertising
- Public Relations
- Books, Magazines, Newspapers and Journals
- Photography
- Audio Media like Community Radio, Podcasts
- Interactive Media like websites, video games, digital ads, etc.
Advantages of Mass Media
Characteristics of Mass Media
Mass Media comprises a wide range of media technologies to disseminate or reach over a larger audience through mass communication. The major characteristics of Mass Media are:
Mass Media constitutes both technical and institutional methods for communication, production and dissemination of news.It reaches larger audiences or masses and that’s why is referred to as mass media.
Mass Media has the power to influence society and is also impacted by what’s happening in society itself.Audience or the masses are offered with a wide variety of choices in terms of content, media platform, etc. to choose from the type of mass media they want to consume.
Functions of Mass Media
Mass media has been one of the most significant forces in modern culture. All types of mass media communication whether written, broadcast or spoken reach a larger audience thus creating a massive impact. Here are the important functions of Mass Media:
Mass media plays a crucial role in shaping how we view the world.Intensive use of mass media has resulted in the world to appear smaller and closer.It also promotes the distribution of goods and services.
The fundamental objectives of mass media are to inform, educate and entertain the masses.It is known to be an important player in democracy and the smooth functioning of the nation.
Media is the watchdog of society. Mass media works to transmit heritage and cultural values. The rise of new mass media creates a global platform to bring people together.
Types of Mass Communication
Mass Communication is termed as a medium of dispersing information to a large group of people. It is a means of disseminating information beyond physical and geographical restraints through various media. From folk songs, dances and theatres to radio, video games and social media, Mass Communication has always been an integral part of the human world. With time and the constant growth in communication technologies, the reach and ambit of mass communication has expanded aggressively.
Traditional/Print Media
Amongst the conventional forms and types of Mass Communication, the print media comprises of those platforms that facilitate communication mainly through, written communication such as newspapers, books, journals, etc. In earlier times when cinema and TV hadn’t emerged, print media forms were utilised to publish the latest news and happenings as well as for entertainment purposes. Even in the digital age, print mediahasn’t lost its prominence as we still cherish the morning newspaper with a cup of tea as well as find leisure in reading our favourite novels in the paperback format rather than through a screen.
The most crucial change brought to print media is that it has advanced towards online platforms as well since many newspapers have established as strong online presence to keep people updated about the latest happenings across the globe bringing them at the touch of our screens.
Radio
Radio is one of the oldest types of Mass Communication. It is a medium through whichel ectromagnetic signals are delivered over long distances. Being a traditional form of Mass Media, radio was earlier used to make news announcements, telecast important events and then it also started broadcasting music as well as entertaining conversational programs. With the digital age, online radio channels have emerged which made it more accessible than FMs that worked on certain frequencies and network connections.
Film and Television
When Thomas Edison invented the Kinetoscope by Thomas Edison, the phenomena of motion pictures came into being. Film and Television are the major sources of entertainment to more than 90% of the world’s total population. It is one of the most popular types of Mass Communication which include both audio-visual aspects of communication. Moving pictures and sounds along with interactive storytelling works in confluence with each other to provide content that is engaging and entertaining.
Moreover, the TV and Film industry is filled with massive career opportunities whether you are a creative writer or an imaginative visualizer. For those wanting to make a career in this branch of broadcast media, there are a multitude of courses available from Digital Filmmaking to Film Editing as well as Multimedia and Animation and Cinematography courses!
Advertisement
Advertising is the best way to communicate to the customers. Advertising helps informs the customers about the brands available in the market and the variety of products useful to them. Advertising is for everybody including kids, young and old. It is done using various media types, with different techniques and methods most suited.
Let us take a look on the main objectives and importance of advertising.
Benefits of Mass Communication
Mass Communication is the most important source of information to the masses. It keeps the masses enlightened and updated about the happenings all around the world. Without various mediums of mass communication, 2021 would be a dark year. Even during the ongoing pandemic, it is only through various means of mass communication that the world was updated about the threat that Covid 19 is.
It also has a major role to play in the authenticity of the news. It is the technique of reaching out to the corners of the world and help every individual form an opinion of their own. Mass communication also has an important role to play in globalisation and making the world a smaller place by keeping everyone connected to each other.
Importance of Media
"What the mass media offers is not popular art, but entertainment which is intended to be consumed like food, forgotten, and replaced by a new dish"
-W. H. Auden, The Dyer's Hand
Media plays a very significant role in keeping everyone updated about the various events around the world. Today, we can check out the latest news and current affairs with just few clicks of mouse or by simply switching on the radio or television, apart from glancing at the newspaper every morning!
In conclusion, the mass media plays a critical role in influencing the minds of individuals. Media keeps us dated about what is happening around the world. In conclusion, the medium is the message. ... Media focus on various and evils, political or economic crisis and guide people mass them.
Thank you
- Works Cited
- Almerja. 11 May 2018. 30 May 2021. <https://almerja.com/en/more.php?pid=525>.
- Leverageedu. 27 January 2021. 30 May 2021. <https://leverageedu.com/blog/types-of-mass-media/>.
- Leverageedu. 6 April 2021. 30 May 2021. <https://leverageedu.com/blog/types-of-mass-communication/>.
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