Media often referred to as a journalistic arm and
is associated with the production of daily news. However, as concept, media is
vaster and more diverse. “Media” came
from the word “medium” which means channel, so media is a channel of
information. But media do not merely communicate information; media also filter
and shape information for specific purposes. This makes media a contorted
mirror to reality when it should be a window to the world.
Because media reach a large number of people at the same
time and people often rely on media to perceive their surroundings then it
makes media a powerful force in shaping the society.
Forms
of Media
|
|
Is one of the oldest
forms of media, refers to paper publications such as newspapers, newsletters
and journals.
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Initially used
airwaves to reach audience. Refers to mass media such as radio and television
broadcasting.
Is composed of media that use digital technological like
the Internet to distribute or exhibit content. One of the most used means of
communication.
Functions of Media
· Channel of Information
We interact with our surroundings and with the
world around us through the information media provides.
·
Facilitate Informed Debate
In relation to providing multi-faceted
information, the media also function as avenues through which different sides
of debates can be expressed.
· Provide World Knowledge
As human beings, our sensory perception is
often limited to our immediate surroundings.
It is then the function of media to provide us with information that go
beyond this.
o Builds Sense of Community
Media aids us in imagining that we are part of
a community and are a part of a nation.
o Government Functioning
Watchdog
Widely known as the fourth estate, by which
means that are the watchdogs of the people, constantly informing the people of
the national issues and upholds democracy and protects the right of the people.
o Facilitator of Democratic
Processes and Guarantor of
Fair and Free Election
Media play a vital role in upholding democracy,
they also function as watchdogs during elections, making sure that no anomaly
occurs and the election process goes smoothly
.
o Vehicle for Cultural
Expression
Media create narratives that help us perceive
who we are as a nation and as a community by providing a sense of communality.
o Advocate and Social Actor
In media, objectivity is a myth. In the act of
filtering and choosing which type of information to relay, media choose their
advocacy.
Media
Evolution through Time
