Types of Mass Communication

Types of Mass Communication
Mass Communication is termed as a medium of dispersing information to a large group

of people. It is a means of disseminating information beyond physical and geographical
restraints through various media. From folk songs, dances and theatres to radio, video
games and social media, Mass Communication has always been an integral part of the
human world. With time and the constant growth in communication technologies, the
reach and ambit of mass communication has expanded aggressively.
There are mainly four types of Mass Communication:
1. Print Media: Newspapers, Magazines, Books and Novels, Comics, Journals and
Publications
2. Broadcast Media: Films, Television, Radio
3. Outdoor and Transit Media: Billboards, boardings, posters, banners
4. Digital Media/New Media: Social media, video platforms, websites, mobile apps,
e-books, podcasts, online radio
We have listed down the widely used types of Mass Communication from traditional to
new media.
Traditional/Print Media
Courtesy: The New York Times
Amongst the conventional forms and types of Mass Communication, the print media
comprises of those platforms that facilitate communication mainly through written
communication such as newspapers, books, journals, etc. In earlier times when cinema
and TV hadn’t emerged, print media forms were utilised to publish the latest news and
happenings as well as for entertainment purposes. Even in the digital age, print media
hasn’t lost its prominence as we still cherish the morning newspaper with a cup of tea
as well as find leisure in reading our favourite novels in the paperback format rather
than through a screen. The most crucial change brought to print media is that it has
advanced towards online platforms as well since many newspapers have established a
strong online presence to keep people updated about the latest happenings across the
globe bringing them at the touch of our screens!
Broadcast Media
Courtesy: Gfycat
Broadcast Media mainly refers to the electronic broadcast platforms that are amongst
the pivotal types of mass communication. Whether through radio, films or TV shows,
this form of mass media carries out the distribution of news, information and
entertainment through audio and visuals by implementing electronic broadcasting
platforms. Below we have detailed the major three kinds of broadcast media, i.e. Radio,
Film and Television.
Radio
Courtesy: Cosmic Monocle
Radio is one of the oldest types of Mass Communication. It is a medium through which
electromagnetic signals are delivered over long distances. Being a traditional form of
Mass Media, radio was earlier used to make news announcements, telecast important
events and then it also started broadcasting music as well as entertaining
conversational programs. With the digital age, online radio channels have emerged
which made it more accessible than FMs that worked on certain frequencies and
network connections.
Film and Television
Courtesy: Gifer
When Thomas Edison invented the Kinetoscope by Thomas Edison, the phenomena of
motion pictures came into being. Film and Television are the major sources of
entertainment to more than 90% of the world’s total population. It is one of the most
popular types of Mass Communication which include both audio-visual aspects of
communication. Moving pictures and sounds along with interactive storytelling works in
confluence with each other to provide content that is engaging and entertaining.
Moreover, the TV and Film industry is filled with massive career opportunities whether
you are a creative writer or an imaginative visualizer. For those wanting to make a
career in this branch of broadcast media, there are a multitude of courses available from
Digital Filmmaking to Film Editing as well as Multimedia and Animation and
Cinematography courses!
Outdoor & Transit Media

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One of the underrated yet potential types of Mass Communication, Outdoor media
corresponds to the dissemination of information as well as advertising through our outer
environments such as billboards, posters, boardings, banners, etc. This form is utilised
to advertise products or services as well as spread social information and awareness to
the general public. Quite similar to the outdoor media, Transit Media is more inclined
towards advertising through posters, banners, signs and notices in means of
transportations such as Buses, Metro, Rail, amongst others.
Digital/New Media
Courtesy: Giphy
Digital Media is one of the recent and popular types of Mass Communication and has
become an influential form of media in the present time. Also referred to as new media,
it combines all the attributes of interactive communication as the internet provides quick
and easily accessible information in a variety of formats. It encompasses wide-ranging
mediums such as emails, podcasts, blogs, websites, videos, social media, amongst
others. Be it the digital applications in your smartphone or your favourite video game to
play online, digital media has encompassed a larger part of our daily activities. A career
in digital marketing and social media marketing is amongst the most trending ones in
the present times as every organisation is consistently striving to create a strong online
presence and thus better facilitation of communication with their target audience!
Examples of Types of Mass Communication
Mentioned below are several examples of types of mass communication which we use
in our everyday life and can learn a lot from too! They are different modes of
communication and are extremely important. Have a look here:
● Movies and Films

Movies or films are not just a mode of entertainment nowadays, it is also a way of
connecting with the masses on a large scale. Movies with social messages are
being made these days to educate and inform the masses as well. Films or
movies are released throughout the country and impact people at a mass scale.
● Social Media
These days social media websites are a way to connect with the masses. It does
not matter which part of the world you are in but you can connect or stay in touch
with other people located in an altogether different part. Some examples of social
media are YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
● Books
Books whether paperback or ebook is another important source and example of
mass communication. It has a mass outreach and provides in-depth knowledge
and information about many topics.
● Advertising
The companies who hire people behind advertising and how it has to be
presented in front of the masses depict certain advertisements in such a way that
they encourage purchasing.
● Journalism
Journalism such as Print Journalism or Digital Journalism collect relevant
information about events that are taking place all over the country and the world
and present them to the masses for consumption. It is one of the most popular
ways of mass communication since it reaches the masses at a large scale.
● Photography
Photography is one of the most influential and popular means of mass
communication. It is a visual-based medium of mass communication and
portrays a deep message. With photographs, the masses get a real image of
events that are happening and feel more connected with the events of the
outside world.

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Types of Mass Communication

Mass Communication is termed as a medium of dispersing information to a large group

There are mainly four types of Mass Communication:

Courtesy: The New York Times

Courtesy: Cosmic Monocle

Outdoor & Transit Media

Examples of Types of Mass Communication

● Movies and Films

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