The process of designing and delivering cultural messages and stories to diverse audiences through media channels as old as a book and as new as the internet. (Campbell, 1998)
Media is the plural of Medium (also known as a channel)
Mass designates the type of audience
Diverse in Spatial, Temporal, and Experiential Proximity
Types of Mass Media
Print
Recordings
Cinema
Radio
Television
Internet
Mobile phones
Power of Mass Media
Key role in political power
Shaping public perceptions on important issues
Shaping modern culture (belief, values, traditions)
Streaming video (webcasts, podcasts, YouTube videos)
Mobile Phones
Make mobile telephone calls across a wide geographic area
Since about 2000 (3G - mass media)
The first personal mass media
Permanently carried
Always on
Built-in payment mechanism
The most accurate audience measurement
Advantages
It educates people. Through television and radio programs, people get to learn about health matters, environmental conservation, and much more.
People get the latest news in a very short time. Distance is not a barrier. People get news daily through the media and this keeps them updated on the happenings around the world.
People get to bring out their hidden talents. Through media showcase their talents such as comedy, acting and singing.
Children’s knowledge increases. Children can learn from quiz programs, animal programs and so on.
Radio is convenient as people do get short news and with a mobile phone one can access it.
Disadvantages
It leads to individualism. People spend too much time on the internet and watching television. As a result, socialization with friends, family and neighbors is affected.
Some media contents are not suitable for children. Limiting children’s access to such content can be difficult.
Newspaper is geographically selective.
Increase in advertisements in television and radio is making them less attractive.
Internet as a form of media opens up possibilities of imposters, fraud and hacking.