Mass media

Mass media

The term mass media is applied to all media that reach a mass audience. In fact mass media have existed as long as mankind itself. There has always been a need to exchange news and messages among people. New technologies helps us to deliver information very promptly and more efficiently. These technological developments have led us to colour broadcasting, television, videos, cameras, compact discs and personal computers.

By mass media we mean those means of communication which reach large or mass audiences. The media´s importance is simple – they are our source of information. The press, radio and television are probably the most important and well known means of communication today.

People like to read newspapers, journals and magazines. We want to be informed and get the latest news so most of us buy a newspaper early in the morning. We can find different sorts of articles in a newspaper: on economics, politics, sports,... They are published every day or at weekends. There are two types of newspapers: „broadsheets“ (large sheet) and „tabloids“ (small sheet).

The broadsheets are known as „quality“ newspapers. They are read by those readers who expect to find serious news written in a serious manner.

Tabloids are called „popular“ papers. They contain a high number of features about stars, sports and celebrities.

People who do not like reading newspapers or think it´s expensive to buy it every day and then throw it away, listen to the radio or watch TV. They are source of information and entertainment too. Many people spend most of their leisure time watching TV programmes. There are programes like films, serials, cartoons, quiz show, documentaries and educational programmes. We can listen to the radio too. There is a variety of radio stations. We can listen to good music, shows. Radio is very popular and many of us like listening to the radio during day when we are cooking dinner, working, doing housework,...

Radio and television stations can be devided into two categories: commercial and non-commercial. Commercial stations are supported by charging money to companies that would like their goods or services advertised on the station. Non-commercial stations are financed from state budget or supported by donations, grants, or private organizations.

Programmes which are broadcast on television take care of viewers of different age groups, interests, educational background. Programme guides help you to made your own choice between the programmes whose aim is to entertain, inform and educate people.

The latest technological contributions to media development is the Internet and e-mail which tend to replace classical media – newspapers, television, radio and telephones. All of the main newspapers and magazines now have websites, as do TV and radio stations. These „new media“ are starting to get similar numbers of readers as the old media.

The media play an important role in society and some experts say they are too powerful and too effectual today. They present information and can decide about people´s lives and the development of our society.