Mass Media

Present age is called the age of information. And mass media are the powerful and the most effective instruments of spreading or sharing information. With the advancement of digital technology, mass media have become a powerful and quick means of communication, of broadcasting news and views, of disseminating ideas and massages, and making information available anywhere in the world. With the availability of technology and communication tools, the role and influence of mass media have become inextricable. In fact, they have a very conspicuous, impact on every aspect of our lives-our knowledge, our culture, our mode of thinking, our life style, our policy making, and lots more.

The means of communicating news and information is termed as mass media. Mass media is classified in two categories- print media and electronic media. Print media include newspaper, magazines, journals, and other printed materials, while electronic media include radio, television, satellite channels, internet, cinema etc. Of the two, electronic media is the more effective and influential because viewers or listeners can watch or listen to things broadcaster, said and they need not be literate. Whereas, printing media is effective only for educated or literate people.

Media is called the public forum-or people’s parliament. Media play the role of bridge between government and general people in times of different national need. Media do not simply provide people with information, news and ideas, but also raise various issues on socio-econo-political matters. They also form consciousness, and public opinions in different problems and issues. People express their opinions. Through media various formats of programmes like talk show, street show, documentary, live reporting, video articles, editorials on different local and global issues are broadcast and published. Media keep us up dated about what is happening around the world. Media focus on various social evils; political or economic crisis’s and guide people through them. Today, right to information is recognised as one of the fundamental rights of people, and media ensure this right. Media is important for other reasons also-to build a free, just and peaceful society, to ensure transparency and accountability in public and government activities, and to voice people’s dreams and demands, hopes and aspirations.

In today’s world of globalization, the impact and influence of mass media is more than ever, and all pervasive. Media affects and influences almost all aspects of our life. Mass media have a profound influence on people’s thinking, sentiment, sensibilities and their mode of reactions. Thus, media can direct people to both constructive and destructive purposes. If the power of media is used positively, it can do well to society and a country. But if the power in mishandled or misused for any vested- interest by any quarter, or by any propaganda party, then it can cause great harm, anarchy and confusion is society and in state. Media are so influential and powerful that people instantly believe what they hear or watch on media. That is why famous Canadian theorist and media critic Marshal Macluhan said that “Media is the message”.

Mass media play an important role in today’s world of communication and information. It is upto us to draw benefit or harm from media, to evaluate and judge the messages of media. We need to be careful about dealing with mass media. Considering the far-reaching influence, concerned authorities should use them for the greater benefit of mankind.