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Power of Mass Media

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Media has revolutionised tremendously since the past century. Before the era of social media, only recognised news authorities with distinctive powers could report and spread the word of information to the general public. It helps to shape people’s thoughts and perceptions by providing information across the lands and seas.
The mass media industry as stated by Steinberg (2007) is “involved in the production and distribution of messages to large audiences” (p. 253). Mass media includes platforms such as newspapers, radio, and TV and now with advance modern technology, information is also available instantly on our fingertips. Severin and Tankard, Jr. (2010) explain that three characteristics define mass media. First characteristic about mass media is that it is “directed toward relatively large, heterogeneous, and anonymous audiences” (p. 4). The other two characteristics involve also as mentioned by Severin and Tankard, Jr. (2010) are that timed messages that go out to the public and the communicator operates “within a complex organisation” (p. 4). However, with the times changing and technology evolving around us, media is available everywhere very easily now. Even though anyone these days can easily report or spread information, higher power still dictates over complete media control.
The most well-known term given to an individual who has complete control of the spread and flow information through media is media mogul and the greatest living example of a media mogul is Rupert Murdoch. Even McKnight (2012) states that “Rupert Murdoch is undoubtedly the most consequential human being Australia has ever produced”. Murdoch’s ownership made way for future news to make its mark on the media. With his connection to high profiled leaders, Murdoch has influenced millions of minds and instead kept liberal opinions at a distance due to his conservative nature. Murdoch

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