| Hardly anyone is unaware of the term 'mass media'. Daily we use mass media sources to learn the latest home and international news, find necessary information, to entertain or to listen to the weather forecast. The importance of mass media nowadays is huge. Mass media play a significant role in forming and reflecting public opinion, connecting people and the world. The media strongly impact society, as it can reach a wider audience with a strong and influential message. They consist of four principal sources: television, press, radio and the Internet. Each has its own characteristics and functions.
Everyday millions of newspapers and magazines are published all over the world. The number of them seems endless. There are different international and local newspapers, dailies and weeklies, broadsheets that cater to the better educated readers and popular newspapers that sell to a far larger readership. Some newspapers cover mostly politics, financial and economic issues; whereas others concentrate on 'human interest stories'.
Since the advent of radio, more people have got access to the latest news. We usually switch on the radio when driving a car to listen to the news bulletin and live reports. Listeners are particularly much into phone-in chat-shows and music charts.
According to estimates, most people regard television as their chief source of information. TV sets have become a part of home decor. Our everyday life is often organised according to the programme schedule. We switch it on to watch our favourite series and talk-shows, to view newly released movies, music videos and news programmes.
Whereas TV broadcasts are scheduled, the Internet allows us to have access to information and entertainment day and night. The Internet contains huge databases of information in every language. It is known for the diversity of standpoints presented, vast collections of music and movies, e-encyclopaedias designed to optimise the search on the Internet, e-books and official websites of papers and magazines.
Life without the media would be boring and limited. Yet, 'addiction' to some sources of entertainment, such as watching TV and browsing on the Web for hours, can adversely impact upon health and interpersonal communication. |
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