Authors: Nohlen
Summary: In about 250 words the entry states central characteristics of mass media and the historical circumstances that led to their development, briefly reflects on the consequences of the introduction of new forms of mass media. The entry regards urbanization, alphabetization, and industrialization as the three central interactive factors for the establishment of mass media products in western societies. A press with mass distribution developed around 1850, followed by film at the turn of the century, radio after 1920 and television after 1950. Central characteristics of these products are an in principal unlimited number of consumers, a one way form of communication (as opposed to the telephone) and an indirect form of distribution which can introduce a distance in time, space or both between the producers and consumers. The entry ends with brief speculations about the impact of the new media like cable and satellite TV on the relationship between the mass media products and the impact on individuals and society.