MASS MEDIA (1)

        Mass media are one of the most characteristic features of modern civilization. People are united into one global community with the help of massmedia. People can barn about what is happening in the world very fast using mass media. The mass media include newspapers, magazines, radio and television.

         The earliest kind of mass media was newspaper. The first newspaper was Roman handwritten newssheet called «Acta Diurna» started in 59 B.C. Magazines appeared in 1700’s. They developed from newspapers and booksellers' catalogs. Radio and TV appeared only in 20th century.

       The most exciting and entertaining kind of mass media is television. It brings moving pictures and sounds directly to people’s homes. So one can see events in faraway places just sitting in his or her сhair.

       Radio is widespread for its portability. It means that radi­os can easily be carried around. People like listening to the radio on the beach or picnic, while driving a car or just walking down the street. The main kind of radio entertainment is music.

       Newspapers can present and comment on the news in much detail in comparison to radio and TV newscasts. Newspapers can cover much more events and news.

       Magazines do not focus on daily, rapidly changing events. They provide more profound analysis of events of preceeding week. Magazines are designed to be kept for a longer time so they have cover and binding and are printed on better paper.

QUESTIONS:

1. What kinds of mass media do you know?

2. What was the earliest kind of mass media?

3. Why is the television so exciting?

4. What is the reason for widespread use of radios?

5. What advantages do newspapers have over the other kinds of mass media?

6. What is the difference between a newspaper and a ma­gazine?      

VOCABULARY:

mass media — средства массовой информации

handwritten—  написанный от руки

newssheet — листовка

bookseller — книготорговец

entertaining — развлекательный

portability — портативность

newcast — обзор новостей

to focus — сосредоточиваться

profound — глубокий

cover — обложка

binding — переплет