In mass communication, media are basically the communication tools or media used to transmit and store data or information. The word refers generally to elements of the large mass media communication industries, including newspaper, magazine, broadcasting, motion pictures, photography, movies, television, radio, and publishing. Media are typically grouped into two major categories: analog (electronic) and digital (electric) media. Digital media include such diverse items as CDs, DVDs, MP3 players, web pages, emails, instant messages, text files, video clips, game consoles, game software, audio recordings, and other digital items. Almost all the information is transmitted by means of a medium.
There are many forms of mass media communication. Examples of these types of media include the following: home movies, personal broadcasts over the radio, television programs, printed books, periodicals, newsprint, billboards, promotional material, live performances, music videos, conferences, live performances, and organizations’ websites. These are just some examples of the types of media. Other types of media include: newsprint, magazines, newspapers, books, web sites, radio, television, movies, outdoor and indoor ads, games, instant messaging systems, greeting cards, websites, newswires, greeting card machines, and the Internet.
There is a wide range of specialized types of media. One well-known specialization is music and entertainment. It includes the production of sound and music for television, film and performing arts. Audio recording and playback media are also included in this category. Music and entertainment industry is very popular in developed countries like the United States and in the United Kingdom. It is also popular in developing countries.
Social networking is becoming one of the most common ways of communication. Examples of SMTVs include Myspace, Mybloglog, Photobucket and Facebook. Video sites such as YouTube, Metacafe, Vimeo and Yahoo Video are also increasing. Podcasts, or more popularly referred to as audios and podcasts, are another type of media that people use every day. Podcasts can be downloaded for free and they can be listened to or saved to your computer. Audios and podcasts are mainly used for informal conversations or news updates.
Another highly popular medium is the social networking. Examples of social networking include Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Digg and Flickr. Social media is the easiest way to reach out to large number of people without the need for professional publicity. Examples of social networking sites include Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Digg and Flickr. The increase of social networking has created a new medium for communication.
In our present society, mass media is playing an increasing role in the lives of individuals. It is largely responsible for shaping and molding the opinions, values and beliefs of many people. This is the reason why it has become necessary to make sure that what the masses see and hear are actually true and have some substance. The mass media such as television, radio and print media are becoming the main source of information. In addition to this, many businesses use the media to advertise their products and services.