The media plays a big part in our lives, I cannot imagine living a week without the television, and I am sure I am speaking for many here. As taught in our lecture, Charles Wright identified four functions of the media. They are surveillance, correlation, cultural transmission and entertainment.
1. Surveillance
This first media function refers to the gathering of information. This function if fulfilled by newspapers and by radio and television news programs. These media sources provide viewers with he news and warnings of dangers, or other instrumental information. The daily news in our local Channel 5 or 8 is an example of this.
2 . Correlation
This function is the analysis and evaluation of information. Not only do they provide the information, the media also interpret and analyze social problems. This is subjective as the media commentators give their opinions on what they understand of the situation. Examples of these are editoral pages of newspapers, or magazines articles that analyze current issues.
3. Cultural Transmission
This refers to the education and socialisation of receivers. In addition to informing receivers of the events, the media also socialise receivers. The characters in television dramas teach behavioral norms, films teach the culture’s history. Even media personalities are seen as role models for us.
4. Entertainment
This last function of the media refers to our enjoyment and gratification. The media offers an escape from the problems of everyday life. It not only helps us to relax, but to go on different adventures and experience what we probably will never get to in reality. This entertainment function is fulfilled by almost every medium. The newspaper, magazines, television or the movies provide entertainment for everyone of us.
The media provides these important functions, it is no wonder it is such an essential tool in our lives.
