Mass media
Topic: World Transport and Communication · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 6 "Tertiary and Quaternary Activities"
Meaning
Mass media are the channels that carry the same message to a very large number of people at once. Radio, television and newspapers are the classic examples. They spread news, pictures and entertainment across the world, and they are vital for advertising. The internet and social media are now the fastest-growing mass media.
Example
In India, All India Radio and Doordarshan carry news and programmes across the country, including to remote villages. A single broadcast reaches millions of listeners and viewers at the same time.
Don't confuse with
- Telecommunication: the wider idea of sending any message over long distances by electronic means. This includes a phone call between just two people. Mass media go from one source to a huge audience.
Related concepts
- Communication
- Telephone and telegraph
- Telecommunication
- Optical fibre cable
- Submarine communication cable