Mass Media

Television, also called is one of the most important mass media. People with a television set can sit at home and can see and learn about people, animals, and things in faraway lands. Million of viewers around the world can watch sports events and other events of worldwide interest.

TV brings its viewers a steady stream of programmes that are designed to give information and to entertain. The programmes include sports events, variety shows, quiz shows, feature films, cartoons, fictional serials called soap operas, etc.

There are two main kinds of television stations: public stations and commercial stations. Public television stations are supported by the government. They usually broadcast more educational programmes and programmes on cultural subjects.

Commercial television stations are run by private companies. They sell advertising time to pay for their operating costs and to make a profit for the companies that run the stations.

People can also subscribe to cable television system. Viewers pay a fee for this service. We may speak about different advantages and drawbacks of television but almost every home has at least one TV set. On average, a TV set is in use for about 7 hours each day. Thus, television is the most effective means of mass communication known to mankind. It has become the people's eyes and ears on the world.

Radio is also one of the most important mass media. Radio broadcasts news, discussions, interviews, description of sport events, drama, religious programmes, music,and advertising.

In all countries, programmes primarily provide information and entertainment. Programmes that provide information include news and current affairs, live broadcasts of sports events, weather forecasts, talk shows. Music is a popular kind of radio entertainment. Most music stations specialize in one kind of music, such as pop, classical, jazz or folk music. Some stations broadcast several kinds of music. A major reason for the widespread use of radios is their portability. People listen to the radios almost everywhere - at home, in parks, at beaches and picnics, while driving a car, and even while walking along the street.

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