Media is a means of communication that broadcasts information from the source to the target community. Any media that is intended for a larger audience is known as mass media. From symbolic representations in the early ages to massive newspaper production, fancy television videos, to high technology media combining computers and the internet, you can see huge variations in types of mass media.
Being a prime source of entertainment, marketing, information, advertising, and motivation for people all around the world, there is a hard need to understand different types of mass media. Here you will get a better opportunity to learn about different types of media. So, stay there to know more about the best possible way.
What is Mass Media?
Whether you want to listen to your favorite sound, or watch the latest event, match or movie, then where would you go? In the earlier time, TV was the only source or mode to stay updated with what is happening around.
However, at the present time, the means to stay updated about the things around us have been expanded vastly. It is because now you are having multiple sources to get information including radio, television, magazines, newspaper, the internet, mobile phones, and much more. While these vast varieties of resources which is responsible for disseminating news and information are considered mass media.
Mass media is any medium that can be used to communicate whether written, oral, or via broadcast to a larger audience.
There was a time when people have to switch on their radio to listen to a news bulletin or used to pick up a newspaper to read daily headlines to get a regular dose of information. Later, with the arrival of television, it became a major source to stay updated with what is happening all around the world.
But with the passage of time technology has changed almost every aspect of our lives including the list of mass media options available. There are tons of modes of mass communication that have been introduced to convey information to larger audiences such as the internet, computers, mobile phones, books, magazines, documentaries, films, and much more.
Types of mass media
Here we have different types of mass media which are essential for you to know. Have a look at the different options given below in this regard to understand things in a better way.
- Traditional Media
- Print Media
- Electronic broadcasting media
- Outdoor media
- Transit media
- Digital media
Traditional Media
People have developed different ways to communicate on the basis of their local culture and language. Traditional media is the oldest type of mass media which is helping people to transfer culture and traditions over generations. While, communication tools in this have been developed from customs, beliefs, rituals, and society’s practices. Traditional media is imparting indigenous ways to communicate for ages.
Forms of traditional media
There are multiple forms of traditional media that are being used for centuries. Some of these forms are given below:
- Folk music, songs, and dances
- Drama, theatre, and folktales
- Painting, statues, sculptures, and other similar creative means
- Symbols and motifs
- Nautanki
- Storytelling
- Festivals and fairs
Print Media
Print media is encompassing mass communication via printed material. Before the invention of the printing press, printing media was meant to be handwritten. But that made the process of mass distribution tougher or in some cases impossible.
However, later with the passage of time, print media also evolved and the printing press’s arrival made mass distribution possible.
Till now, print media is one of the basic mass media tools types. While, the arrival of technology in this field has also made it possible, convenient, and popular, to reach a wider audience.
Newspaper is one of the most preferred forms of print media to reach a huge audience until electronic media emerged on the scene.
Earlier, newspapers were the dominant medium that which masses at large depended on, for regular news updates. It is because a newspaper is used to carry different types of topics including current affairs, finance, politics, entertainment, stocks, and puzzle crosswords.
In a nutshell, newspapers used to keep stuff for readers from every age group. Newspaper is still the most important form of print media because it has the ability to reach every nook and corner of the world.
Other than this there are exists various forms of print media which are playing a vital role in providing authentic information, updating readers’ knowledge, and building opinions. Also, these forms can enhance mass media marketing definition by serving as a great means for advertisers to promote or market their products.
Forms of print media
Here are different mass communication modes which you can consider as effective forms of print media:
- Newspaper
- Magazines and newsletters
- Pamphlets, leaflets, brochures
- Books, comics, novels
- Journals
Electronic broadcasting media
Broadcasting is simply known as a way to distribute video and audio content to a dispersed audience with the help of an electronic broadcasting medium.
Electronic broadcast media allows easier ways of news dissemination to every type of people. It is because it can appeal to both visual and auditory senses which is making it one of the most lucrative types of mass communication media.
However, for this type of media communication, the presence of an electric connection is a must. One of the most common electronic broadcasting media sources is known as TV. However, radio was the only source of electronic media before the arrival of televisions and was offering a significant reach. But this is a source that offers auditory content only.
Most amazingly, even now after the arrival of advanced technology-based mass communication media, a considerable number of Americans prefer to tune into a radio while on their way to work. This is clearly showing that even to the day, radio is an interesting and favorite mode of electronic broadcasting media.
Forms of electronic broadcasting media
Here are the most common forms of electronic broadcasting media you must know:
- Radio
- Television
- Traditional telephone
Outdoor media
Outdoor media also are known as out-of-home or OOH media. This is a type of media that is focused on transit information when people are out of their living places.
Outdoor media is more commonly used to display advertisements, and to attract people towards some social cause that can bring a change in society or a new product, etc. These mass media forms play an important part in brand promotions.
Forms of outdoor media
Have a look at the following forms of outdoor media to know better:
- Billboards
- Banners
- Posters
- Sings
Transit media
This is a mass media type which is revolving around the concept of information dissemination or advertising when customers are about to go. This mass media type includes the display of information or advertisements on vehicles, buildings, etc. with a common aim of driving messages to home.
This type of mass media is more commonly used for massive brand promotions to the people who are traveling on the roads and streets of the country.
Forms of transit media
Here are different forms of transit media that you must know:
- Transit shelter advertising.
- Vehicle advertisement
Digital media
With the arrival of the internet, we are able to enjoy the benefits of high-technology digital mass media. This type of media is not only faster as compared to old-school mass media but also comes in a wider range. However, computers, the internet, and mobile phones are more commonly referred to as digital media.
A digital mass media type is also known as new-age media. The Internet has opened a new world of opportunities for effective mass communication in the form of emails, podcasts, e-forums, blogging, internet TV, websites, eBooks, and much more than these. The forms of new-age media are evolving and increasing with every passing day.
Even more, the presence of social media networks on the internet has redefined the way of mass communication altogether. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, have made the process to communicate with the masses more convenient, interesting, entertaining, and easier. These have become some of the most common sources to reach an audience from all around the world.
Forms of digital media
Here are some common forms of digital media
- Internet
- Mobile phones, tablets, PC, and laptops
- Social media sites
- Websites
- Internet television
- Computer animations
- Audio and video content
- Virtual reality
Conclusion
Different types of mass communication that we are accustomed to in the present age. Whether it’s children, adults, young people, or even seniors, each of us has had his share in the exposure of mass media on a regular basis.
Therefore, learning more about what mass media is comprising in the modern world is a better option to consider. It is because whether it was a pictorial message of early age or any high technology mass media of the present time, one thing we all can agree upon is that mass media is an inseparable part of our lives.
Media and entertainment always go hand in hand, but along with entertainment, mass media is also an effective means to spread information, communication, marketing, and advertisement. In general, this can be a great option to express and share your views, ideas, and opinions.
