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    Gill
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    caribbean studies module 2

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    Roles and Functions of the Mass Media

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    caribbean studies module 2

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF or read online from Scribd
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    14 views10 pages

    Roles and Functions of The Mass Media

    Uploaded by

    Gill
    caribbean studies module 2

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF or read online from Scribd
    Flag for inappropriate content
    of 10
    ne of the manifestations of democracy is the ability to express opinions and share information freely, especially through the media. The Caribbean is one of the regions in the world where, for the most part, free speech land the media have only limited interference from governments. From talk shows, opinion columns and entertainment halls, the people of the Caribbean have access to mediums of public ‘expression, while the media have the freedom to ‘ve the public the information and entertainment that they want. Media mediates! The medi represents the voice or voices that communicate with society, communities, nations or groups of nations. Defining Mass Media Media are the sources Used to transmit information. A single television is a medium (sings ‘media! that carries information from @ source, The word ‘mass’ is usualy used before the ‘media’ because the information is not meant for just one person's consumption but for mary people who can, and choose to, receive thet information. The original definition of ‘mass ‘meant large numisers of people, inthis instance the ‘common’ fok or the masses. However: term now implies reaching everyone, everywhere. Mass media uses any medium or chennai ‘communicate information. This can be trough print, visual, audio or audio-visual. Mecis may categorised further as shown in Table 16.1 below. ‘Tohelp you understand the concept, here are 2 few characteristics that define mass mecka ‘© Technology: mass communication requires mechanical modes such as print machines, television recevers, radio waves. These are the technical means to transmit information. + Commodity: the means to receive information has to be purchased at a price, whether personaly or public Categorisations of media ELECTRONIC Broadcasting media Internet eNews Live Stream Blogs Social network Video channels Emails Television (public and cable) ell phones Social network ‘Text messaging Handi : Electronic billboards Podcasts Books Cinema Newsletters cD, DvD Teble 16 Note: There isa thin ine between electronic and digital as some electronic meia are now digital. Electronic magia may also be classed as broadcasting media, while every media can be news media. eat ferret fenie) De Cae Cieelr card Pree Figure 16.1 The media * Distance of transmission: distance exists between the sender and receiver — which is usually Jimpersonal and one wey, * Scale: large aucionces over a wide area or simuitanzous communication with many people. ‘Media as a provision of information ‘The primary function ofthe media is to provide information or send a message, be it directly or lncliecty, The information may be transmitted in the form of news reporting, tak shows (with Qualified guest presenters), creative expressions fart, music, danoe and acting), advertisements or Public announcements. The mode of delvery is dependent on the purpose. It may be a poltical debate to help voters decide in an election; it may be publishing the stock exchange geins and losses; it may be for propaganda and surveilance; it may be for recreation and entertainment; of just plain presentation of the facts of an event as its occuring or unfolding asin the swearing-in (ceremony of head of state. The royal wedding of Prince Willa to Catherine Middieton in the UK was broadcast lve to an audience of over 2 billon worldwide, On the day of the wedding on ‘the BEC programme "World Have Your Say, Extra’, a St Lucian woman was able to talk lve via cell hone with the BBC presenter, sharing her opinions about the event, Media has now become very inticataly connected and interactive. ‘When the Caribbean held its fftn annual Caribbean Media Conference, one of the topics of

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