What is "The Media"?

The Media, Journalism and Journalists

In this lecture, Professor Jane Singer (City, University of London) discusses the media, journalism and journalists. In the first module, we look at what the media is. Then, we look at who journalists are and what they do. After this, we look at audiences for the media and journalists. In the penultimate module, we look at the economics of journalism in a little more detail. Finally, we look at technological change and journalism.

What is "The Media"?

In the first module, we look at what the media is. In particular, we will focus on: (i) the wide range of media organisations, formats, and activities, including broadcast, print, and digital media; (ii) how different formats include broadcast news, talk shows, podcasts, and print newspapers and magazines, both in physical and digital forms; (iii) how different laws and regulations are applicable to various media types, such as broadcast and print media, and the evolving status of digital media in terms of legal oversight; (iv) how categorisations of media include delivery mechanisms, geographic reach (hyperlocal, local, regional, national, international), audience focus (general interest vs. niche), and positioning (elite vs. popular); and (v) how their is a need for critical thinking when discussing "media" to clarify one's intentions, consider the vast array of media outlets, and understand their implications and contributions to society.