| The term 'mass media' is known to everyone. Daily we use the media sources to learn the latest domestic and world news, find necessary information, to entertain or to listen to the weather. The importance of mass media nowadays is vast. The media play a great role in shaping and reflecting public opinion, connecting people and the world. The media strongly influence society, since it can reach a wider audience with a strong and influential message. They consist of four primary sources: TV, press, radio and the Internet. Each has its own characteristics and functions.
Daily millions of papers and glossy magazines are published worldwide. The list of them seems unlimited. There are various national and local papers, dailies and weeklies, quality newspapers that cater to the better educated readers and tabloids that sell to a much larger readership. Some newspapers cover mostly politics, financial and commercial issues; while others concentrate upon 'human interest stories'.
Since the advent of radio, many more people have got access to the latest news. Radio is preferable when you are at work and require information or have to concentrate your attention on something else. Hence, we normally turn on the radio when driving a car to listen to the news bulletin and reports presented live at the scene. Listeners are especially keen on phone-in talk-shows and music charts.
According to estimates, the majority of people regard television as their chief source of information. Our daily life is often planned according to the programme schedule. We switch it on to view our favourite series and chat-shows, to watch newly released films, music videos and news programmes.
Whereas TV broadcasts are scheduled, the Internet allows us to have access to information and forms of amusement 24/7. The Internet contains huge databases of information in every language. It is well-known for the variety of opinions presented, vast collections of music and movies, electronic encyclopaedias intended to optimise the search on the Web, e-books and websites of papers and magazines.
Life without the media would be monotonous and limited. Nonetheless, 'addiction' to some sources of amusement, such as watching TV and surfing the Web for hours, can badly impact upon health and interpersonal communication. |
Article Details
