development of mass media

Mass media has changed dramatically in the past century. The growth of mass media has been made possible by major technical advancements. Five centuries ago, the first printed pages appeared in the news media, bringing entertainment and knowledge to people all over the world. Newspapers and journals became the primary mass media outlets at the turn of the 20th century (Haerens & Zott, 2014). There was no tv, radio or internet, but magazines and newspapers were unrivaled. One hundred years later, technology has turned the world into a global village where communication with people across the globe and space has been made possible.
In the 1940’s, the development of the radio turned the landscape of mass media. Technological progress allowed people all over the world to listen to the radio that broadcasted both local and international news. During this period, the radio updated people about the progress of WW2. The radio provided information extremely faster than the newspaper, but it did not interrupt the newspaper market, as they remain relevant in the 21st century. Similarly, the 1950’s saw the development of the television and film. The TV was embellished by people because it combined both the radio and newspaper. The television provided moving images that were seen as the rise of rock and roll in humanity (Noll, 2006). Also, the 1960’s led to the development of satellite technology and the beginning of the space race. The first communication satellites were put in orbit, and news reports were broadcasted around the globe in real time. As such, the TV acquired unprecedented power that 24-hour news channels emerged. People had a chance to choose between the newspaper and the TV. However, the development of the television led to the disappearance of major newspaper brands (Haerens & Zott, 2014).
Towards the end of the 20th century, new media was born. The internet has been the biggest development of mass media. It led to the development of new communication platforms such as the email, web chatting, video conferencing, instant messaging and most importantly, the growth in social media. Social media sites transmit news fast, and the media is unregulated because it has transformed the power of media to people. Social media has given individuals the power to convey information as they please. Furthermore, the development of smart phone devices has made it possible for millions of people to access the internet and social media. Currently, the society highly relies on the internet to stay connected with friends and family. The exponential for growth in mass media is infinite. The telephone has evolved into cellular devices. As technology evolves so does mass media (Luther, Lepre, & Clark, 2012).
How did each development influence American culture?
The evolution and development of mass media had a significant influence on the American culture. From the newspapers, radio, telegraph, telephone, TV, internet to the smart phones, mass media has changed the way Americans convey and receive information. The first newspapers in the US were affiliated with political parties or groups. The Federalist Papers during and before Washington’s presidency urged for the US Constitution ratification. Moving forward, yellow journalism emerged as newspapers competed for readers by using intense advertisement campaigns. Therefore, the American culture adapted to relying on the newspaper for information. It became a norm for normal American citizens to read the newspaper every morning. On the other hand, the radio brought significant changes since its inception. The radio became a popular source of political analysis and news. During the Roosevelt presidency, the President used the radio to communicate directly to Americans about the issues that faced the country (Haerens & Zott, 2014).
Similarly, the development of the TV had a tremendous influence on the American culture. TV programs transformed Americans as part of the political process. Democrats and Republicans used live broadcasts to convey their political agendas. Most importantly, the rise of TV programming led to the advancement of the film industry. Short television movies and drama became part of the American culture. The TV also influenced sexuality awareness. According to gender studies, models were the ideal representation of both men and women. In summation, the mass media has influenced the American culture strongly. The internet has led to the smart phone and social media addiction. Media has given Americans more social and economic awareness (Dencik, 2012).
What is meant by the term media convergence, and how has it affected everyday life?
Media convergence is a controversial term that different theorist consider in their definitions. However, the term means the collaboration of previously disconnected media forms and platforms. In other words, media convergence is defined as an ongoing process that facilitates the interaction of different forms of mass media. Media convergence has affected the everyday. In business, media convergence has altered how consumers receive services. Companies and businesses run social media platform sites and blogs that relay product information. People all over the world receive refined information and entertainment all in one for instance through the internet, which has improved media experience (Luther et al., 2012).
In conclusion, mass media has evolved over the past century. Technological advancement is not limited, and the potential for growth is exponential. With this note, it is essential to nurture media literacy among citizens and professionals to avoid media bias. Most importantly, media literacy is relevant for the preparation of future trends and development in mass media.References
Dencik, L. (2012). Media and global civil society. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Haerens, M., & Zott, L. (2014). Mass media. Farmington Hills, Mich: Greenhaven Press, A
Part of Gale, Cengage Learning.
Luther, C., Lepre, C., & Clark, N. (2012). Diversity in U.S. mass media. Chichester, West
Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell.
Noll, M. (2006). The Evolution of Media. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.