Theories Of Mass Communication

2001 Words9 Pages
Characteristics of Mass Communication Five characteristics of mass communication have been identified by Cambridge University's John Thompson. Firstly, it "comprises both technical and institutional methods of production and distribution". This is evident throughout the history of the media, from print to the Internet, each suitable for commercial utility. Secondly, it involves the "commodification of symbolic forms",as the production of materials relies on its ability to manufacture and sell large quantities of the work. Just as radio stations rely on its time sold to advertisements, newspapers rely for the same reasons on its space. Mass communication's third characteristic is the "separate contexts between the production and reception of information", while the fourth is in its "reach to those 'far removed' in time and space, in comparison to the producers" Normative Theories of Mass Communication Baran& Davis (2003) Chapters 5 & 6 Severin & Tankard (1997) Chapter 16 Review At the end of this lesson students should be able to learn the following: Normative Theories of Mass Communication Theories of the Press in various system. Siebert, Peterson & Schramm (1956) Four Theories of the Press. Altschull (1995) conclusions on the roles of the world’s press system. The theories of Market Nations, Communitarian Nations, Advance Nations. Lasswell and Wright (1960) functions and dysfunctions of mass media. During the Yellow journalism era most mass media professionals cared very little for the need for news that are accurate, objective, & keeping other public sensitivities. Some theories of media professionalism was very much needed. Broad questions about the roles of the media in its day to day operation &
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