MASS MEDIA

Mass media are tools for the transfer of information, concepts, and ideas to the audience—the readers, listeners or the viewers. They are important for disseminating information; they make possible communication exchange and spread of knowledge which are vital as far as societies and cultures are concerned. There is no standard for how large the audience needs to be before communication becomes "mass" communication. There are also no constraints on the type of information being presented. Radio, television, cable, newspapers are all considered as ‘mass media’. These tools involve exchange of opinions, and public involvement.

So there are some factors for a being a good source of news. At first, you see that all types of mass media are in business to make money. They do that, not by selling news, but by selling advertising. For example, what they can charge for advertising depends upon circulation. So they tend to run stories that are scandalous, sensational, titillating, shocking, or gory. Granted, these sell newspapers, but they also get them read in libraries, in restaurants, in offices. These papers don't make money, but they represent circulation. The greater the circulation, the more they can charge for advertising. So this is first factor for being a good newspaper, this means if you have a shocked or outstanding headline, you will sell a great number of copies, and after a while you would have more readers and viewers.

Secondly, this is about accurate. Accuracy is vital. A good source of news verifies all the major details of his story, including addresses, numbers and the spelling of names. For a controversial story, reporters talks with people on all sides of the issue to make sure ,he is not presenting a slanted view of the issue. He does not let his own opinions cloud his reporting. He double checks his work before he submits it to the editor. It means that audience should believe real news; people want to know the truth and want to be informed. Therefore, mass media should be honest if they need a huge audience and be popular.

The last factor is responsibility. No newspaper that has any responsibility to its readers can tolerate anyone's telling its reporters which stories they may write and which they may not.  Choosing news on the basis of its significance and usefulness to the public. Avoiding purely sensational or trivial news, and accenting when possible coverage of good things that are happening. Clearly defining sources of news, respecting rights of privacy. Every newspaper reporter should not be biased be open minded when reporting or investigating a report .and so is the editors responsibility that he apply his mind on the news before he reject it from publicizing it.

Mass media play an important role in the life of society. Mass media include various types of media such as television, radio, newspapers and magazines. Reading newspapers and magazines, watching TV, listening to the news on the radio are our main means of getting information. Mass media brings to millions of homes not only entertainment and news but also cultural and educational programs. If you watch TV and listen to the radio you can improve your knowledge of history, biology, literature or even learn a foreign language.