to evolve – a)to become different, b)to adapt, c)to develop.

Mass media is a term which refers to communication devices, used to communicate and interact with a large number of audiences in different languages.Mass media are an inseparable part of our lives. They have become an effective tool of communication, spreading information, advertising and marketing, as well as entertainment and sharing views and ideas.

Print media include newspapers, magazines, booklets and brochures, newsletters, flyers, billboards, press releases, and books. Before electronic communication was invented, newspapers had been the best way to reach a wider audience. They were the only way people could learn about the daily news. Today newspapers carry all kinds of information from topics related to politics, current events and economy to entertainment, book and movie reviews. In general, newspapers can be classified into three main groups: popular newspapers or “tabloids” which have gossip and no serious news; quality newspapers, also called “broad sheets” which have more pages and serious articles about business, politics and science; and finally, local newspapers which report local news.

Magazines are another type of the culture print media. They can be published weekly, fortnightly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly. Magazines are often more popular and have a longer “lifespan” than newspapers.

All in all the printed form of communication was popular earlier. However, with the coming of electronic media, print media has taken a backseat.

Electronic media is the kind of media which requires the user to utilize an electric connection to access it. It is also known as 'Broadcast Media'. It includes television, radio, the Internet, computers, telephones, and other modern gadgets.

For many people, it is impossible to imagine a life without their television sets, be it the daily news, or even the soap operas. It is a popular means of communication which provides both information and entertainment. This category also includes electronic media like movies, CDs and DVDs.

Radio lost its popularity with the boom of television. But even today, radio remains one of the favourite means of electronic communication. Moreover, it is an interactive means of communication with all the dial-in programmes which give the listeners an opportunity to participate.

Mobile phones, computers, and Internet are often referred to as the new-age media. Internet has opened up several new opportunities for mass communication which include e-mail, websites, podcasts, e-forums, e-books, blogging, Internet TV, and many others which are booming today. Internet has also started social networking sites which have redefined mass communication all together. Sites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have made communication to the masses all the more entertaining, interesting, and easier! More and more people are choosing e-newspapers, eBooks, e-brochures, etc. Internet has completely transformed the traditional ideas of communication.

With the advancements in technology, mass media will continue to evolve and all you will have to do is to keep yourself informed about the latest innovations in mass communication!

Read the text again and ask/answer the questions in pairs:

1) Using the information from the text explain the meaning of the term “Mass Media”

2) How did people know what was happening in the world before TV and the Internet appeared?

3) What print media do you use in your everyday life?

4) What is the other name for “electronic media”?

5) What media do you use for everyday communication?

6) In your opinion what new hi-tech communication gadget will be invented in the next five years?

7) Why radio is still one of the favourite types of the media?