Media: types, influences

The media

Refers to the various means of communication, such as television, radio, newspapers, and the internet, that are used to disseminate information, news, and entertainment to a large audience.

Mass media

Refers specifically to the technologies and channels that enable the dissemination of information, news, and entertainment to a large, heterogeneous audience. This includes television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and the internet.

Mainstream media

Refers to the dominant and widely recognized sources of information, news, and entertainment, which are typically owned and operated by large corporations. These sources tend to reflect the dominant cultural and political perspectives of society.

Alternative media

Refers to non-mainstream sources of information, news, and entertainment that offer alternative perspectives and challenge dominant cultural and political narratives. These sources may be independently owned.

A journalist

A person who investigates and reports news, events, and issues of public interest for various media outlets.

An editor

A person responsible for overseeing and coordinating the content of a publication or media outlet. This can include selecting and editing articles, managing staff, and making decisions about what stories to cover.

A critic

A person who evaluates and reviews works of art, literature, music, film, and other cultural products, and offers opinions and assessments to the public.

A reporter

A journalist who investigates and gathers information about news events, and writes or broadcasts stories for the public.

A reviewer

A critic who evaluates and assesses specific cultural products, such as films, books, or music, and offers opinions and recommendations to the public.

An article

A written piece that provides information, news, or analysis on a particular topic or subject.

A leader

A term used in British journalism to refer to the main editorial or opinion piece in a newspaper, typically appearing on the front page.

A review

A written or spoken evaluation of a cultural product, such as a book, film, or play.

A column

A regular feature in a publication that is typically written by a single author and covers a particular topic or subject.

An editorial

A written piece that expresses the opinion or stance of the publication on a particular issue or topic.

A feature

A longer, in-depth article that explores a particular topic or subject in greater detail than a regular news story.

The tabloids

Refers to newspapers that are typically smaller in size, with a focus on sensationalist news and entertainment stories.

The gutter press

Refers to publications that specialize in sensationalist and often intrusive coverage of celebrity gossip, scandal, and other salacious content. This term is often used in a pejorative sense.

Quality press/papers

Refers to newspapers that are characterized by their serious, in-depth reporting, analysis, and commentary on current events and issues; high journalistic standards; more educated readerships

A headline

The main title or heading of a news article, typically designed to grab the reader's attention and give a sense of the story's content.

The circulation

The total number of copies of a publication that are distributed or sold within a given time period. This can include both physical and digital copies.

The readership

The total number of people who read or access a particular publication or media outlet, typically measured through surveys or other forms of audience research.

A periodical

A publication that is issued at regular intervals, such as daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly. This can include newspapers, magazines, and other types of print or digital media.

A magazine

A type of periodical that typically features a mix of articles, photographs, and other content on a variety of topics, such as news, current events, entertainment, fashion, or lifestyle.

To broadcast

To transmit audio or video content, such as news, sports, or entertainment, to a large audience through TV or radio waves, cable, or the internet.

To transmit

To send audio or video signals from one location to another, typically through radio waves, cable, or satellite.

To put on

To broadcast or air a particular program or show on TV or radio.

Breaking news

A term used to describe news stories that are happening currently or are still unfolding, often requiring immediate and urgent attention.

Independent channels

TV or radio channels that are privately owned and operated, and are not affiliated with any particular network or corporation.

Commercial channels

TV or radio channels that are owned and operated by corporations or companies, and generate revenue through advertising.

State-owned channels

TV or radio channels that are owned and operated by the government, and typically serve as the official broadcasters of the country.

Satellite channels

TV or radio channels that are transmitted via satellite, allowing them to reach a wider audience beyond the range of traditional terrestrial broadcasts.

A broadcaster

A person or organization that transmits audio or video content through TV, radio, or other media.

A newsreader

A person who presents and reads out news bulletins on TV or radio.

A scriptwriter

A person who writes scripts for TV or radio shows, including dramas, comedies, documentaries, and other formats.

A chat-show host

A person who presents a TV or radio program that features interviews with guests, typically in a more informal and conversational style than traditional news or current affairs programs.

News anchors

Also known as news presenters; these are the main hosts or presenters of news programs on TV or radio.

A presenter

A person who hosts or presents a TV or radio show, typically providing commentary, introducing segments, and engaging with guests or audience members.

To broadcast at peak-viewing time

Refers to the practice of airing TV or radio programs during the times when the highest numbers of viewers or listeners are tuning in. This typically includes prime-time slots in the evenings and on weekends.

Clickbait

Online content, such as headlines or thumbnail images, that are designed to attract attention and encourage clicks, often by using exaggerated or misleading language.

Fake news

False or misleading information that is presented as if it were true, often spread through social media or other digital channels.

Post-truth

Refers to a political and cultural climate in which emotional appeals and personal beliefs are more influential in shaping public opinion than objective facts or evidence.

Blogs/vlogs/youtube channels

Online platforms or channels that allow individuals or groups to create and share written, video, or audio content on a particular topic or theme.

YouTubers

Individuals or groups who create and publish content on YouTube, typically focusing on a particular topic or theme and building a following of subscribers.

Podcasts

Digital audio programs or series that can be downloaded or streamed online, often focusing on a particular topic or theme and featuring interviews, storytelling, or other formats.

To go viral

Refers to online content that becomes extremely popular and widely shared through social media or other digital channels, often spreading rapidly and reaching a large audience.

Meme

A humorous or catchy image, video, or piece of text that is shared widely online and often takes on a life of its own as it is adapted and remixed by different users.

Trolls/haters

Individuals who engage in online behavior that is intended to provoke, harass, or insult others, often anonymously or under pseudonyms.

Hate speech

Online communication that is intended to promote or incite hatred, discrimination, or violence against individuals or groups based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or other characteristics.

Anonymity

The state of being anonymous or unidentified online, often used as a means of protecting privacy or avoiding accountability for one's actions or statements.

To be anonymous

To participate in online activities or communication without revealing one's true identity, often by using a pseudonym or other means of obscuring personal information.

Sound bite

A brief, quotable excerpt from a speech or interview, often used in news broadcasts or other media as a means of summarizing or highlighting a particular point or message.

Scoop

An exclusive or breaking news story that is reported by a journalist or news organization before others.

Yellow journalism

A style of journalism characterized by sensationalism, exaggeration, and sometimes unethical practices, such as fabricating stories or manipulating images.

Sensationalism

The practice of using exaggerated or shocking stories or images to attract attention or generate interest, often at the expense of accuracy or fairness.

Cheque-book journalism

The practice of paying sources for information or interviews, often seen as unethical in journalism.

Invasion of privacy

The act of intruding into someone's personal life or private affairs without their consent, often through surveillance, hacking, or other means.

Paparazzi

Photographers or journalists who specialize in taking pictures or reporting on the lives of celebrities and other public figures.

Celebrities

People who are famous or well-known, often due to their achievements, talent, or public image.

Gratuitous violence/sex scenes

The inclusion of violent or sexual content in media, often for shock value or titillation rather than as an integral part of the story or message.

Muck-raking

Investigative journalism that seeks to expose corruption, wrongdoing, or other issues of public concern, often involving the use of controversial or sensational tactics.

Silly season

A period of time, typically in the summer, when news stories tend to be lighter or less serious in nature, often focusing on entertainment or human interest rather than hard news.

To sue sb for libel/slander/defamation of character

The act of taking legal action against someone for making false or damaging statements about oneself or one's reputation.

To be biased/subjective/opinionated

Refers to a lack of objectivity or fairness in reporting or presenting information, often influenced by personal beliefs or interests.

Manipulation

The act of influencing or controlling the way information is presented or received, often through misleading or deceptive means.

Spin doctors

Political or public relations professionals who specialize in shaping public perception and messaging, often through the use of strategic communication tactics.

To distort the truth/facts

The act of misrepresenting or manipulating information to suit one's own agenda or narrative, often to the detriment of accuracy or objectivity.

Propaganda

Information, often biased or misleading, that is disseminated with the intention of promoting a particular agenda or ideology.

Media/TV pundits

Experts or commentators who provide analysis or opinion on current events or issues, often through the media or on TV.

The fourth estate/power

Refers to the media as a powerful and influential force in society, often seen as a check on government or other sources of authority.

In-depth analysis

A detailed and thorough examination of a particular topic or issue, often involving extensive research or investigation.

Investigative journalism

A type of journalism that involves in-depth research and reporting to uncover hidden or unknown information, often related to issues of public interest or concern.

Watchdog journalism

A type of journalism that involves monitoring and holding public officials, organizations, or other sources of power accountable for their actions or decisions.

To be unbiased/neutral/objective

Refers to a lack of bias or personal opinion in reporting or presenting information, often seen as a key ethical principle in journalism.

To form an opinion

To develop a belief or judgement about something based on one's thoughts, experiences, or information gathered from various sources.

To have an influence on someone

To affect or sway someone's thoughts, decisions, or actions through persuasion, coercion, or other means. Influence can come from various sources, such as family members, friends, teachers, leaders, media, and so on.

Readers

People who read or access content in print media, such as newspapers, magazines, or books. The term can also refer to people who read articles or posts on online media outlets, such as news websites or blogs.

Viewers

People who watch or view content on visual media, such as television, movies, or videos. The term can also refer to people who view content on digital media platforms, such as YouTube or social media platforms.

Subscribers

People who pay a fee to access content on media outlets such as newspapers, magazines, or streaming services. They can receive content in physical or digital form and often have access to exclusive content or features.

Followers

People who follow or subscribe to a particular account or page on social media platforms. They receive updates and notifications about new content posted by the account or page they follow.

Listeners

People who tune in to audio content on media outlets such as radio, podcasts or music streaming services.

Roberto Saviano

An Italian journalist and author who wrote the book "Gomorrah," an exposé of the Camorra, a Neapolitan mafia. His work exposed the extent of its criminal activities.

The Boston Globe

A newspaper that won the Pulitzer Prize in 2003 for its investigative reporting on the Catholic Church's cover-up of sexual abuse by priests in Boston.

Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein

Two reporters for the Washington Post who broke the Watergate scandal in the early 1970s. They uncovered a series of illegal activities by President Richard Nixon's administration, which lead to him resigning.

Julian Assange

An Australian journalist and founder of Wikileaks, which published a number of classified documents. The site has been involved in several high-profile leaks, including the release of classified US military documents in 2010.