Functions of Mass Media

Functions of the Media

• Media intends for people to use it in certain ways.

Macro-Level Functions

• Surveillance involves alerting the public to important events like news and weather warnings.
• The surveillance function can also cause anxiety due to constant exposure to negative news.
• Transmission of Values (Socialization) is when media instills cultural values and norms.
• The transmission of values can normalize violence through TV, making certain behaviors seem acceptable.
• People often relate to shows, which can teach values, as seen in children's programs.
• Interpretation simplifies complex topics for the general public.
• Interpretation can be biased, influencing public perception of events.
• Entertainment provides escapism through movies, TV, books, and social media.
• Linkage connects people across locations.
• Donations after the LA fires and hate groups organizing online are examples of linkage.

Micro-Level Functions

• Parasocial Relationships occur when audiences feel like they "know" media figures from seeing them repeatedly.
• Conversational Currency is when media gives people shared topics to discuss, like TV shows and news events.

Ways of Communication & Barriers

• Semantic Noise involves misunderstanding words due to different meanings.
• Mechanical Noise involves technology failures, like phone issues.
• Environmental Noise involves background sounds that disrupt communication.

Communication Process

• Media messages are sent, received, and interpreted.
• Feedback can be interrupted by different types of noise.

Types of Communication in the Communication Model

Interpersonal Communication

• Definition: Direct, face-to-face conversation between individuals.
• Key Feature: Real-time exchange.
• Examples: Talking with friends, teaching a lesson, job interview.

Machine-Assisted Communication

• Definition: Communication via electronic devices.
• Key Feature: Technology acts as a medium.
• Examples: Texting, video calls, emails.

Mass Communication

• Definition: One sender communicates to a large, often unknown audience.
• Key Feature: Little direct feedback, broad message.
• Examples: TV broadcasts, newspapers, social media.

Mass vs. Interpersonal Communication

• Mass Communication involves an unknown audience, and feedback is difficult.
• Interpersonal Communication involves a known audience, so the message can be adjusted.

Critical Cultural Theories of the Press

• This includes 'The Frankfurt School' and 'The Center for Contemporary Cultural Studies (CCCS)'

The Frankfurt School (Culture Industry)

• Media manipulates public opinion to maintain power.
• Passive consumers accept dominant ideologies.
• Ads encouraging materialism, discourage independent thinking are an example.

The Center for Contemporary Cultural Studies (CCCS)

• Audiences actively interpret media based on experiences.
• Youth subcultures (e.g., punk, hip-hop) reinterpret media messages. are an example.

Feminist Media Theory

• Media reinforces gender stereotypes.
• Women are often portrayed as love interests instead of leaders.

Theories of the Press

Authoritarian Theory

• Media is controlled by the government to maintain authority.

Libertarian Theory

• There is free press, independent of government control (e.g., U.S. First Amendment).

Social Responsibility Theory

• The press has freedom but must act responsibly, and provide fair and ethical reporting.

Communist Theory

• State-run media that promotes government ideology (e.g., Soviet Union, China).

Developmental Theory

• Media supports national development goals in emerging nations.

Penny Press & Early Newspapers

Key Aspects of the Penny Press (1830s)

• Steam press allowed fast, cheap newspaper production.
• Urban migration led to larger audiences.
• Mandatory public schooling led to higher literacy rates.

Key Figures

• Benjamin Day founded The New York Sun.
• James Gordon Bennett founded The New York Herald.

Innovations Introduced

• Sold on street corners instead of subscriptions.
• Headlines became selling tools.
• Advertisements were integrated into the layout.

Modern Equivalent

• The New York Post follows the sensationalist model of the penny press.

Radio as a Mass Medium

Key Developments for Radio's Growth

• Affordable, easy-to-use radios.
• Advertising made radio profitable.
• Network systems (e.g., NBC, CBS) made radio financially viable.
• Government regulation ensured airwaves were managed efficiently.

Film Noir (1940s - Post-WWII)

Historical Context

• Soldiers returned from war, bringing dark, cynical themes.
• Women who had worked during the war were expected to return to traditional roles.

Characteristics of Film Noir

• Crime, murder, detective plots.
• Femme fatale is a beautiful but dangerous female lead.
• Male protagonist (often a detective).
• Narration is commonly used.
• Lighting has high contrast (shadows, neon signs, blinds).
• Urban settings in LA, NYC, Chicago (dark cityscape with tall buildings).
• Moral consequences come from crimes making repercussions.

Modern Film Noir Examples

• Pulp Fiction
• Se7en
• Gone Girl