| The term 'mass media' is well-known to everyone. Everyday we consult 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 today is immense. Mass media play a significant role in shaping and reflecting public opinion, bringing people together. The media have a strong social and cultural influence on society, because it can reach a wide audience. They consist of four primary sources: TV, press, radio and the Internet. Each has its own characteristics and functions.
Everyday millions of magazines and newspapers are published all over the world. The number of them seems unlimited. There are various national and local newspapers, dailies and weeklies, quality papers that cater for the better educated readers and popular newspapers that sell to a much larger readership. Some newspapers cover mainly politics, financial and economic issues; while others cover upon 'human interest stories' and scandals.
Since the advent of radio, many more people have got access to the latest news. We commonly turn on the radio when driving a car to listen to the newsflash and reports presented live at the scene. Listeners are particularly keen on call-in chat-shows and music charts.
According to estimates, most people regard television as their primary source of news. Our daily life is frequently planned according to the program schedule. We have breakfast, with TV being on. We turn it on to view our favorite sitcoms and chat-shows, to view newly released movies, music videos and news programs.
Whereas TV broadcasts are scheduled, the Internet allows us to have access to information and amusement 24/7. Being both the video and audio source of information, the Web contains huge databases of information in all languages. It is well-known for the variety of standpoints presented, vast collections of music and movies, electronic encyclopedias intended to facilitate the search on the Web, e-books and official sites of newspapers and magazines.
Life without mass media would be boring and limited. However, 'addiction' to some sources of entertainment, such as viewing TV and searching on the Web for hours, can badly impact on well-being and interpersonal communication. |
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