The Functions of Television as a Mass Medium
Television is an appealing medium for viewers because not only does it provide sound, it also provides moving visual images. This is known as a domestic audio-visual medium because it provides information and entertainment right to the comfort of the viewer’s home (National Institute of Open Schooling, n.d.). As such, television has become an integral part of many viewers’ everyday lives. It is the visual content of television that provides an intimate portrayal of events as they unfold. By experiencing closeness with a news anchor as he or she broadcasts with moving images or actors portraying roles in a pilot series or movie, television has the unique ability to transmit illustrative content that appeals to the emotions (National Institute of Open Schooling, n.d.).
According to National Institute of Open Schooling (n.d.), the main functions of television are to inform, entertain, and educate viewers. American society’s dependence on television prompts them to use this medium to keep abreast of the latest news, weather updates, and for purposes of entertainment. Television is more than just a medium for convenience. It educates viewers throughout society about social, economic, political, health and other impending issues that affect his or her lives. In addition to educating, television allows audiences to witness events as they unfold that occur locally, nationally, or globally almost instantaneously. Through satellite technology, broadcasting live events that one can see instantly makes television an ideal medium. This also makes it ideal to transmit messages to a large audience (National Institute of Open Schooling, n.d.).
News programs and documentaries educate viewers of national and international importance that he or she may not be aware of. Sitcoms, dramas, sports, and variety shows are the types of entertainment television broadcasts in the interest of viewers. Television provides programming to people of...