Mass media is a pluralized combination of diversified technologies which carry into mass audience mass communication; different technologies include television, radio, and newspapers, internet, and magazines which carry to the public news and information, amusement or education.
Mass media have played a significant role in the modern society. It impacts the opinion of the public and informs the people about current events.
In addition, it provides a platform for the public to engage in debate.
Role of Print and Broadcast Journalism
Essentially, print media is one of the oldest and most frequently used mass communication tools.
Newspapers, magazines, journals, and brochures have been in existence for centuries and have featured in-depth analysis, investigative journalism, and feature stories on various topics.
Even in today’s highly digitalized world, print journalism maintains an important place above all else in terms of credibility and deeper reporting.
Broadcast Journalism refers to reporting news and other current affairs through electronic mediums, such as through television and radio.
Television news channels deliver live breakings of news, interviews, documentaries, and so on.
Radio has also branched out, most especially with the rise of podcasts that people can access anytime, anywhere.
Both print and broadcast journalism play important roles in informing and engaging the public.
Role of Filmmaking and Television in Mass Communication
Film and television production are also significant areas of mass communication.
Movies and television programs educate, entertain, and sway the public opinion about matters of culture and social aspects.
Mass Communication-
Filmmaking: Filmmaking is a classic means of mass communication through which storytellers reach millions of their audience through the narration of films.
Filmmakers are in a very powerful position to create content that would both educate and entertain the masses.
Today, cinema has evolved to be one of the primary forms of media that can lead to social change and altered political thinking as well.
Online platforms such as YouTube and its other streaming services, alongside Netflix, have created open doors for filmmakers and expanded the reach of these filmmakers to have their stories communicated globally.
Television: Television, just like film, is of great importance in mass communications. It brings visuals alongside sound to broadcast through an immersive, wide-area audience.
As much as television includes news programs, talk shows, and reality TV, drama, and comedy,
Television can be such a big tool to communicate with millions of people; therefore, it influences their social attitudes, political views, and consumer behavior.
Job Profiles after Mass Communication
A bachelor’s degree in mass communication opens numerous avenues in the world of job opportunities.
Based on area of interest and specialization, graduates can choose any of the following profiles:
- Journalist: Journalist may work in print, broadcast, or digital media. His basic function is to do research and write stories that carry public interest.
- News Anchor/Reporter: In broadcast journalism, the news anchors and reporters are at the front line of the delivery of news messages. They present news items, interview people or, more often, report live from the scene of such events.
- Public Relations Officer: PR jobs are concerned with the public image of a company or person. The professionals involved in PR work are engaged in composing press releases, planning events, and operating at “building and maintaining a good relation with the media”.
- Content Writer: Typically, a content writer writes articles for a website, blogs, and even social networking sites. Perhaps one of the most critical roles in digital media, companies and media outlets want real, interesting content to engage audiences and keep them hooked.
- Radio Jockey/ Podcast Host : Like radio jockeys and podcast hosts, the audio communicator connects with listeners by voice. Requirements range from only music, talk shows, to interviewing .
- Film Director/Producer: Film-making is great for anyone who has a keen interest in any of these roles. For instance, one may look at the role of a film director while another would consider the role of a producer.
- Television Producer : A television producer refers to the person who is in charge of the production of the television programs. To put it simply, a television producer is the one controlling every detail from scriptwriting to final editing of the television program.
- Advertising Executive : Mass communication graduates can work as advertising executives as well. Advertising executives assist in the creation of catchy advertisements for any product or service.
- Social media manager: Social media has slowly but surely become a significant part of mass communication. Managers oversee marketing and presence for a particular brand using various social platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
- Documentary Film Maker: If you like real-life stories and social issues, then you might be a dreamer of being a documentary filmmaker. Documentary filmmaking, after all, is that art where several issues can be dealt with and produce some level of social change.
Career Prospects After Mass Communication
A mass communication career affords an enormous panoply of options.
the skills you gain will prove useful in today’s media-driven world. Here are some specific sectors where the grad will make a difference:
- Media house: The ideal destination for students with communication backgrounds can be sought as a skilled writer, editor or reporter in print or digital media houses. Traditional media houses such as The Times of India, BBC, or CNN, and digital platforms including Buzzfeed or Huffington Post would make good career options.
- Advertising Agencies : Mass communication graduates are pursued by advertising agencies for content creation, copywriting, or campaign management roles.
- Television Channels : News channels, entertainment channels, and production houses offer scope for those who may be interested in working behind or even in front of the camera.
- Radio Stations/Podcasts : Radio is still one of the prime mass communication mediums today, whereas podcasting added newer stages to this medium by allowing for dynamic engagement with audiences.
- Corporate Communications : Large corporations use in-house communication experts for concerns of public image and internal communication requirement.
- Freelance Writing/Filmmaking : Most mass communication graduates seek careers in freelance, preparing writing and filmmaking projects on a contract basis. Freelance work affords creative freedom as well as flexibility.
Conclusion
Mass communications evolve because of rising advancement in technological speeds as well as the growth in consumer behavior and choice. Digital media professionals, they have the power to inform, educate, and shape public opinion for millions.
The world embracing digital platforms and a rising urge for credible information will keep mass communication careers relevant for decades to come.
