MEDIA
The term “media” is derived from the Latin word medius, meaning middle. Media refers to communication channels through which news, entertainment, education, data, or promotional messages are disseminated. Media includes every broadcasting and narrowcasting medium such as newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, billboards, direct mail, telephone, fax, and internet. The message can be written or spoken words (such as in a speech), visual (such as in a movie or commercial), or audio (such as in music).
Media has evolved rapidly over the last several centuries. In the 17th century, Johannes Gutenberg’s movable type printing press made it possible to mass-produce books and pamphlets relatively cheaply and quickly. This technology had a profound effect on European society; it allowed for the rapid dissemination of knowledge and ideas that previously were only available to a small elite group of people. The Industrial Revolution in the late 18th and early 19th centuries also had a major impact on media; new technologies such as steam-powered printing presses and telegraphs led to an explosion of print media such as newspapers and magazines. With the advent of photography in the mid-19th century, newspapers began including images along with articles; by the early 20th century movies were being shown in theaters around the world. Radio broadcasting began in 1920s followed by television in the 1930s; both became mass media forms by the end of World War II. The Internet emerged as a mass media platform in the 1990s with millions of people worldwide using it for emailing, surfing web sites ,and participating in online discussion groups .
Today we live in what is often referred to as an information society or knowledge economy because access to accurate and timely information is so important . The term “media” is used to refer not only traditional print and broadcast outlets but also newer digital communications channels such . Social networking sites like Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , Google+ provide users with opportunities connect with friends , family members , colleagues share information experiences . In addition microblogging services enable users post short messages updates that can be read followers who have subscribed receive these updates via text messaging other mobile device applications . These social media tools also allow companies interact directly potential customers build relationships promote products services . Finally many people get their news from online sources instead reading newspaper watching television there are number dedicated 24-hour online news networks well websites that offer constantly updated content related specific topics areas interests As digital devices become increasingly portable ubiquitous media will continue play important role our lives helping stay connected informed about what happening around world