Pick one concept from the assigned reading that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
I found Functions of the Media to be interesting concepts in Chapter 11. All functions (surveillance, correlation, cultural transmission, and entertainment) all serve a purpose in informing its audiences and producing communication.
Surveillance is “the gathering and disseminating of information” (Trenholm 301). The media informs us throughout the day of information, breaking news, and anything we would need to know. Our local television stations provide weather reports and traffic updates.
Correlation is taking the information at hand and interpreting it for the audience. This can be making a news story or writing an article in a newspaper. Media professionals must understand events and social programs and help translate them for audiences.
Cultural transmission is defined as “the education and socialization of receivers” (Trenholm 301). I really like this concept because I think books, magazines, and movies heavily influence most people. Books and movies provide insight into our own cultural and the behaviors within it. We can also learn about history and fact-based information from these forms of media.
Entertainment is the last form of function that many people in America enjoy. This function serves as a pleasurable and enjoyable form of communication that is usually a leisurely activity for most. For myself, I usually read fashion or home decoration magazines when I want to unwind and relax.
All functions of media have negative effects, but can also be a great tool in helping the media communicate to us in our everyday lives.
Enjoy the weekend! ☺
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3 comments:
I like how you pointed out the different functions of media. People have different methods involving media to get themselves to unwind, to relax, or even to get pumped up emotionally.
I like to play video games to unwind. What's cool about video games now is that you can talk to other players on line and socially interact while you are playing. You can even form groups on a network to build a team for a specific game. I think its cool for people who don't really socially interact normally in the outside world because at least it gives them a sense of belonging.
Hi Lady! In your post you mentioned, "The media informs us throughout the day of information, breaking news, and anything we would need to know." Who do you think decides what we 'need to know' as a community or even as a country? And, are their decisions unbiased? Are those decision based on what really is coming into the news room, or are they based on ratings? Do you think the public gets fair exposure to what really is out there, or is it skewed in some way?
It's completely skewed. While I think the media can inform us with necessary information, they also censor much of what we should potentially know.
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