A Closer Look: Definition of Media

The dictionary defines media as all the means of communication, as newspapers, radio, and TV, that provide the public with news, entertainment, etc., usually along with advertising. Essentially, that means almost anything can be media as long as it is watched.

History of Media

The first newspaper in America was released in Boston in 1690. Before that, the earliest reported newspaper was “Mixed News” printed in China in 713. Since the beginning of printed material, news and announcements have been brought into the public eye through the use of a newspaper. The power of the press (newspapers) is huge and can be readily used to sway public opinion. Newsprint has the ability to change public opinion and can, without careful monitoring, report false information that is against the public good. When reporters and their newspapers do not act responsibly, society as a whole is in danger. However, when high quality and responsible news is reported, the public as a whole can become more educated and informed.

Radio

After newsprint became the source of information to the general public, radio came upon the scene. Another form of media became part of every day life. Now news and advertising could be brought to the public, even to those that were illiterate. Radio changed the field of entertainment, providing content and data in a way that was before unheard of. Actors on the radio could tell stories or broadcast serials that listeners would tune in regularly to hear.

Television

Decades after radios invention, along came television. Now the public could watch the news for themselves and could be entertained by the pictures and actors. While television allowed for everyday entertainment in homes across the world, movies were also making a big hit. Screen actors became spokespersons for products being bought in grocery stores and department stores. These actors endorsed the products and the public bought them.

Wireless World

During the 1990's and 2000s, media began to take on a whole new meaning with the advent of the internet. The world is now nearly totally wireless. Information- videos, movies, music, pictures, people- can be accessed from anywhere with wireless phones, modems, or computers the size of note pads. Everyone is connected all the time. Media is ubiquitous and ever-present and encompasses more forms then people could have ever imagined.

Some believe that these new forms of media will make newspapers and traditional radio obsolete. Even the face of television has changed, with online, on demand television shows becoming more favored and traditional broadcast television seeming to fall behind. Others believe that there is room for the internet and for more traditional media, and that the wealth of new sources can supplement, rather then replace, old forms of media.

The Media and the Public

Over time the media has evolved to the where the average citizen places great trust in media spokespersons to provide them with all of the important information they need in the world. With the advent of the internet, people now have access to news and information about almost any subject, at any hour of the day or not. Because of the public's trust, those in the media have a responsibility to report things in a truthful manner and not become the machine of those that would harm or hurt our world. Responsibility in the media, whether it be print, visible or audible is a necessity.

The public also must remember that people create the media. This means that facts should be researched, multiple media sources should be consulted, and the truth should be sought from multiple mediums. New media opens up new opportunities for learning, knowledge and enrichment.