Messages From theMedia

The weatherforecast,a story about the candidates in an election,and movie reviews areexamples of messages from the media. A communication medium, of which the

plural（复数的）form is media,is a means ofcommunicating a message.Examples of media are television,radio,newspapers,books and the telephone.The media that can

reach many people atonce are called mass media.

2.It is notdifficult to think of other messages we receive through the mass media. Everyday we get hundreds of them. Think about advertisements,for example,we see and

hear these messagesalmost everywhere we go.Advertisements are important messages,even though theyare sometimes annoying. They help us compare and evaluate

products.

3.Most of us getmore information from the media than from the classroom. Think for amoment,about how you learn about local news and events.Do you depend on other

people or themedia?What about international news?What is the most important source ofinformation for you? People who are asked this question usually

answer,"Television".

4.Think of all themessages you received today.Perhaps you read a newspaper during break-fast,ormaybe you read advertisements on billboards（露天广告牌）on your way

to school. Did youlisten to a weather forecast or the sports news on the radio this morning?Rightnow you are getting information through a very important medium of mass

communication一a book.

5.We use theinformation we get from radio,television,newspapers,and other media to makedecisions and form opinions.That is why the mass media are so important.

Editorials andarticles in newspapers help us decide how to vote,consumer reports ontelevision help us decide how to spend our money,and international news on theradio

makes us think andform opinions about questions of war and peace.The mass media areimportant to us because they shape______.

A.sports news

B.our decisions andopinions

C.mass communication

D.our messages

E.source of information