1. DEFINING THE MEDIA
What is Media Studies?

2. What’s the meaning of “Media”?
“Medium” - the singular form of the word “media”
“Medium” has many meanings. Our focus is on TWO:
A medium is a tool, channel or vehicle by means of which something is accomplished or transferred
A medium is one of the mass media, such as radio or television

3. What are the mass media?
That part of the media specifically created and designed to reach a very large audience
Mass media differ from simpler forms of communication because:
There is a structural break between speaker and listener
It is technologically dependent
It is commodified
It is regulated

4. Characteristics of the Mass Media
Are human communication systems
Use processes of industrialised technology for producing messages
Aim to reach large audiences: success depends on popularity
Allow for communication across distance
They are the medium (the vehicle) of transmission of messages
Development is shaped by commercial interests

5. Historical Developments
1500s: development of moveable type and the printing press led to the multiple production of paper, books, posters, pamphlets
1700 – 1800s: Industrial Revolution – new forms of power and increase in technology, revolution in communication systems via road, rail and water, urbanisation: increased literacy, demand for info and entertainment

6. Historical Developments cont
1800 – 1900s: explosion of technology and new communication systems – photography, film, sound recording, telegraphs, radio, TV. But access to Media is not global
2000s: new Media Age – computer chip, satellites, digital technology, internet

7. Why does the media develop?
Social and Economic Determinants:
Media change occurs in capitalist economy – development influenced by profit motives
Government seeks to control potential power of media through censorship, licensing and public ownership
Technical and scientific developments contribute to media developments eg: military developments led to early video-camera recording, internet and satellite technology

8. Definition:
Media are technologically developed and economically profitable forms of human communication, held in either public or private ownership, which can transmit information and entertainment across time and space to a large group of people.