| Barely anyone is unaware of the term 'mass media'. Daily we consult mass media sources to learn the latest home and foreign news, find necessary information, to entertain or to listen to the weather forecast. The importance of mass media nowadays is vast. The media play a great role in forming and reflecting public opinion, bringing people together. Mass media strongly influence society, since it can reach a wider audience with a strong and influential message. They comprise four main sources: television, press, radio and the Web. Each has its own characteristics and functions.Everyday millions of newspapers and magazines are published worldwide. The number of them seems endless. There are various international and local newspapers, dailies and weeklies, broadsheets that cater to the better educated readers and tabloids that sell to a far larger readership. Some newspapers give coverage to politics, financial and commercial issues; whereas others concentrate upon 'human interest stories'.Since the advent of radio, many more people have got access to the latest news and information. We usually switch on the radio when driving a car to listen to the news bulletin and live reports. Listeners are particularly fond of call-in talk-shows and music charts.According to estimates, most people consider television their principal source of information. TV sets have become a part of home decor. Our everyday life is often organized according to the program schedule. We have breakfast, with TV being on. We switch it on to view our favorite series and chat-shows, to view newly released movies, music videos and news programs.While TV broadcasts are scheduled, the Web allows us to have access to information and forms of amusement 24/7. The Web contains large databanks of information in all languages. It is known for the variety of opinions presented, vast collections of music and films, e-encyclopedias intended to facilitate the search on the Web, e-books and official sites of papers and magazines.Life without mass media would be monotonous and limited. Yet, 'addiction' to some sources of amusement, such as watching TV and surfing the Internet for hours, can adversely influence health and interpersonal interaction. |
