History of Mass Media

Mass media includes print media like newspaper and magazines, electronic media like radio, television and video and new age digital media like internet, blogs and mobile phones. To know the origin and history of media, we should know the growth and evolution of mass media.

History and Origin of Mass Media

History of mass media can be traced back to the early days of dramas that were performed in various cultures. However, the term Mass Media originated with the print media that was also its first example. The first newspaper was printed in China 868 A.D, but due to the high cost of paper and illiteracy amongst people, it didn’t prosper.

Regarding the origin of the Mass Media, Europe can boast to be the primary source. It was Johannes Gutenberg, who for the first time printed a book in a printing press in 1453.

Gradually, during the period post-Second World War, radio, television and video were introduced. The audio-visual facilities became very popular as they provided information and entertainment. Of late, it is the Internet which has become the latest and most popular of the mass media. Here, information is been generated through various websites and search engines. One can play games, listen to radio while working and chat with friends and relatives, irrespective of location. It also gives information on various topics such as literature, politics, science, sports, fashion, movies, education, career, jobs etc. similar to other types of mass media.

Thus, due to the progress of science and technology, history of media has evolved and reached the present-day world of internet, cellular phones, blogs, podcast and RSS feeds.