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What is Mass Communications?

Reethi Rai
Reethi Rai

Mass communication technically refers to the process of transferring or transmitting a message to a large group of people — typically, this requires the use of some form of media such as newspapers, television, or the Internet. Another definition of the term, and perhaps the most common one, refers to an academic study of how messages are relayed to large groups of people instantaneously. This area of study, most often referred to as mass comm, is offered at many colleges and universities worldwide as an area of study, and some colleges teach nothing but mass comm. Due to its pertinence to all people around the world, mass comm is becoming more popular and may offer graduates careers in various countries worldwide.

Academic Study

Newspapers are a form of mass communication.
Newspapers are a form of mass communication.

Interest in mass communications is an area of academic study that has grown steadily, and includes the study of the ways people and groups relay messages to a large audience. A number of leading educational institutions offer majors in mass communications, and many graduates in mass comm can find jobs in the news media, advertising or public relations agencies, publishing houses, and research institutes. With the growing popularity of the Internet, the demand for writers who can generate content for the online space is growing steadily, and a number of mass comm graduates are taking up content writing for the Internet as a lucrative career option.

Today, the internet is a popular mass communications format.
Today, the internet is a popular mass communications format.

When majoring in mass communications in the United States, students should be sure to choose a program that is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, an established membership organization for academics in the field of mass comm. A passion for words and an exceptional thinking ability can lead a student to a media-related course or a college major in mass communications. As digital communication technology takes huge strides forward, the number of means that can be used as mass medium continue to expand, and this could lead to a greater scope for the field of mass communications.

Historical Context

A text message that is sent to a group of people is considered a form of mass communication.
A text message that is sent to a group of people is considered a form of mass communication.

The term mass communication was coined in the 1920s, with the advent of nationwide radio networks, newspapers, and magazines, which were circulated among the general public. The distribution of information to a wide range of people remains the main function of mass communications, even today. Mass communications are widely used, primarily because it is a rewarding exercise which may award a person or company with brand and name recognition, instantly increasing credibility. Commonly used units for analysis of mass communications are the messages, medium for communication, and the audience for whom the message is intended.

Discussion Comments

anon334879

What does the communicator do in the mass communication?

anon326127

What is the influence of western television programs on the cultural values of Nigerian youth?

nidhi05verma

What are the future prospects in journalism or mass communication? I have received honorables in electronics, so will there be any benefit in choosing journalism as a diploma after graduating in electronics?

anon298429

What is the best course to study for a masters after getting a bachelor of science degree in mass communication?

anon278599

Can I attempt the civil service examination as a communication officer after studying mass communication in a master's distance learning program? Please help me to know.

anon277760

I want to choose mass communication but I'm very confused about what to do. How much money can I make in this career?

anon256023

What type of job can I get with a degree in mass communication, and is there any fame or not in this course?

anon242915

Tell me the minimum salary in mass communication?

anon236425

As a degree holder of mass communication what can I work as and in what industry?

anon232715

What is the difference between AB Communications and Mass Communication? Help.

anon232475

I'm living in India. I wanted to study in Mass Communications. What qualifications are required to do so?

anon231501

Can a graduate of mass communication work in the University library?

anon218604

What are the qualification for mass communications?

anon182843

why is mass communication so expensive?

anon176855

mass communication is communicating by people knowing and understanding the happenings and events in our society/nations!

anon170353

I am an arts student, planning to major in sociology. my college offers 1 year course in mass communication. How can it help for my future? please guide me.

anon166061

mass communication is a very interesting subject which has changed the world in the global village.

anon162804

can i do business through mass communication?

anon162648

I am currently doing economics hons from delhi university. if i choose mass com after graduation what are my career options? and do these two courses converge anywhere?

anon135336

how does mass comm help our future?

anon132019

I'm a student of mass communication and enjoy this subject. there are many open roads if you choose this subject.

anon119208

why i should choose mass communication for my study?

anon106504

How can mass communication help me in my future?

anon103450

What exactly are he jobs that I can opt of after doing my bachelors in mass communication.

anon103214

what is the requirement to enter the mass communication field?

Arpita Kanungo

i want to opt for post graduate work in mass communication. i have done B.tech graduation in electrical and electronic engineering. what type of jobs are posted for this? what do i have to do for admission to a mass communication program?

potchi

A speaker on a stage speaks in front of 10,000 people without using microphones, speakers. Would you consider it as a mass communication or just interpersonal communication?

anon94080

i finished my b.com course. can i do mass communication course?

thaheer

if i study mass communication what will be the best job for me?

anon93298

i want to choose mass communication but I don't know about it. i need information.

anon92803

i want to choose mass communication but I'm very confused about what to do. How much money can I make in this career?

anon78493

what's the scope of mass communication?

anon74305

what can a mass communicator do after school?

anon69967

is book publishing different from mass communication?

anon55750

mass communication is the process while media are the vehicles that drive the process.

anon54913

the basic difference between mass media and mass communication rests on the fact that mass media is a channel through which mass communication contents are delivered to the public.

mass media - is a channel.

mass communication- is a message content meant for the public.

anon46141

What is the basic difference between mass media and mass communication. Are journalism and mass communication the same thing?

anon31596

What is mass communication and why should I choose this course rather than other courses?

anon24062

is journalism and mass communication the same thing?

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    • Newspapers are a form of mass communication.
      By: spinetta
      Newspapers are a form of mass communication.
    • Today, the internet is a popular mass communications format.
      By: xiaosan
      Today, the internet is a popular mass communications format.
    • A text message that is sent to a group of people is considered a form of mass communication.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      A text message that is sent to a group of people is considered a form of mass communication.
    • Teleconference phones are part of mass communications.
      By: vgstudio
      Teleconference phones are part of mass communications.