| The term 'mass media' is well-known to everyone. Daily we use the media sources to learn the latest home and world news, find necessary information, to entertain or to listen to the weather. The importance of the media nowadays is huge. The media shape and form customer decisions, present new goods and services, educate and make us think. The media play a great role in forming and reflecting public opinion, bringing people together. The media have a strong social and cultural impact upon society, since it can reach a wider audience. They include four major sources: TV, press, radio and the Web.
Everyday millions of newspapers and glossy magazines are published around the world. The list of them seems endless. There are various national and local newspapers, dailies and weeklies, broadsheets that cater to the better educated readers and popular newspapers that sell to a much larger readership. Some papers devote much space to politics, financial and commercial issues; while others cover upon 'human interest stories'.
Since the advent of radio, more people have got access to the latest news. Radio is preferable when you are at work and need information or have to focus your attention on something else. Thus, we usually turn on the radio when driving a car to listen to the newsflash and live reports. Listeners are especially much into call-in chat-shows and music charts.
It has been estimated that the vast majority of people regard television as their primary source of information. TV sets have become a part of home decor. Our everyday life is often organized according to the program schedule. We switch it on to view our favorite sitcoms and talk-shows, to watch newly released films, music videos and news programs.
Whereas TV broadcasts are scheduled, the Web allows us to have access to information and forms of amusement 24/7. Being both the video and audio source of information, the Web contains large databases of information in all languages. It is well-known for the selection of standpoints presented, large collections of melodies and films, electronic encyclopedias intended to ease the search on the Web, e-books and sites of newspapers and magazines.
Life without the media would be monotonous and limited. Still, 'addiction' to some sources of amusement, such as watching TV and surfing the Web for hours, can badly impact upon health and interpersonal interaction. |
