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

	Print Media

 

Broadcast Media

Is one of the oldest forms of media, refers to paper publications such as newspapers, newsletters and journals.

New Media

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

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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