Mass Communication and Journalism: Foundations of Mass Communication Media - History Print Radio TV Internet Key Inventions Gutenberg Telegraph Broadcasting

What It Is

Media History refers to the study of the development and evolution of various forms of mass communication, including print, radio, television, and the internet. A key example of media history is the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in 1450, which revolutionized the dissemination of information and played a crucial role in the spread of knowledge during the Renaissance. This matters for media analysis as it highlights the significance of technological advancements in shaping the way information is consumed and disseminated.

Key Terms & Concepts

• Print Media: forms of communication that use physical materials such as paper, ink, and presses to disseminate information.
  • Example: The first newspaper, Relation, was published in 1605 in Strasbourg, Germany.
• Radio Broadcasting: the transmission of audio signals through the airwaves to a wide audience.
  • Example: The first commercial radio broadcast took place on January 1, 1922, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
• Television Broadcasting: the transmission of video and audio signals through the airwaves to a wide audience.
  • Example: The first public demonstration of television took place on January 26, 1926, by John Logie Baird in London.
• Internet: a global network of interconnected computers that communicate with each other using standardized protocols.
  • Example: The first email was sent in 1971 by Ray Tomlinson, who also invented the "@" symbol as a way to address messages.
• Telegraph: a device that transmits coded messages over wires.
  • Example: The first transatlantic telegraph cable was laid in 1858, allowing for rapid communication between Europe and North America.
• Gutenberg's Printing Press: a mechanical device that allows for mass production of printed materials.
  • Example: The Gutenberg Bible, printed in 1455, is one of the earliest and most famous examples of a book printed using the press.
• Media Convergence: the integration of different media forms, such as print, radio, and television, into a single platform.
  • Example: The rise of online news websites and social media platforms has led to the convergence of traditional media forms.
• Media Regulation: the laws and policies that govern the content and dissemination of media.
  • Example: The Fairness Doctrine, introduced in 1949, required radio and television stations to present balanced views on controversial issues.
• Media Literacy: the ability to critically evaluate and understand the media messages we receive.
  • Example: The concept of media literacy was first introduced by the National Association for Media Literacy Education in 1980.
• Propaganda: the use of media to promote a particular ideology or agenda.
  • Example: The Nazi regime's use of propaganda during World War II is a well-documented example of its effectiveness.
• Persuasion: the use of media to influence an audience's attitudes or behaviors.
  • Example: The classic study "The Effects of Television Advertising on Children" by George Gerbner in 1969 demonstrated the power of persuasion in advertising.
• Libel vs. Slander: Libel is written defamation, while slander is spoken defamation.
  • Example: The case of New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964) established the "actual malice" standard for libel cases.
• Inverted Pyramid Structure: a writing style that prioritizes the most important information at the top of the story.
  • Example: The Associated Press Stylebook recommends using the inverted pyramid structure for news writing.
• Hourglass Structure: a writing style that uses a narrative or descriptive opening and a conclusion.
  • Example: The use of the hourglass structure is often seen in feature articles and opinion pieces.

Common Misunderstandings

• Misunderstanding: The printing press was invented by William Caxton.
• Correction: The printing press was invented by Johannes Gutenberg in 1450.
• Misunderstanding: The first television broadcast was made by Philo Farnsworth in 1927.
• Correction: The first public demonstration of television was made by John Logie Baird in 1926.
• Misunderstanding: The Fairness Doctrine was introduced in 1959.
• Correction: The Fairness Doctrine was introduced in 1949.

Quick Application / Identification

Scenario: A local newspaper publishes a story about a new development project in the area, but the article contains several factual errors. The project's developer sues the newspaper for libel. What is the most likely outcome of the case?

Answer: The newspaper is likely to win the case, as the Fairness Doctrine requires a balance of views on controversial issues, and the article's errors may not be considered "actual malice."

Explanation: The Fairness Doctrine requires radio and television stations to present balanced views on controversial issues, but it does not explicitly apply to print media. However, the concept of fairness and balance is still relevant in print media, and the court may consider the newspaper's errors as a failure to meet this standard.

Last?Minute Revision

• Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in 1450.
• The first commercial radio broadcast took place on January 1, 1922.
• The first public demonstration of television was made by John Logie Baird in 1926.
• The Fairness Doctrine was introduced in 1949.
• The concept of media literacy was first introduced by the National Association for Media Literacy Education in 1980.
• The Nazi regime's use of propaganda during World War II is a well-documented example of its effectiveness.
• The case of New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964) established the "actual malice" standard for libel cases.
• The Associated Press Stylebook recommends using the inverted pyramid structure for news writing.
• The use of the hourglass structure is often seen in feature articles and opinion pieces. The printing press was not invented by William Caxton. The Fairness Doctrine does not apply to print media. The concept of media literacy is not the same as media education. Propaganda is not the same as persuasion. Libel is written defamation, while slander is spoken defamation.