​Contents

• Different types of mass media: television, radio, newspapers, the Internet

• Main role of mass media

• Negative impact of some mass media​

• Persuading others​

What is your favourite TV channel?

Why?

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​Question

What do people read about in newspapers?

​Question

What do YOU use the Internet for?

​Question

We are in daily contact with different types of mass media. We receive information through television, newspaper, radio or the Internet. They are called mass media because they reach a very large audience. Mass media inform, educate and entertain. They allow us to follow world affairs. Most people follow the national and international news regularly because they want to be well-informed. Many people watch them on TV or read them in newspapers; some read them on the Internet.

MassMedia | 1

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​Television, radio

There are people who like to watch documentary programmes because they take them to places they would never have a chance to see. People like to relax watching films, sitcoms, soap operas or series. Some people prefer reality show.

Mass Media | 2

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​Television, radio - impact

Watching TV for several hours a day damages the eyesight. It also prevents people from doing sports or being outside. Violence in films influences people in a bad way. Advertising helps finance TV channels. It has a great impact on people.

Mass Media | 2

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​Slovak TV

Slovak television is a public television network. RTVS1 broadcasts news, political discussions, films, series and children programmes. RTVS2 specialises in documentaries, quiz shows, educational programmes and music. RTVS Šport is a sports channel. Foreign language films on Slovak TV channels are dubbed, sometimes subtitled. Commercial stations, such as TV Markíza or TV Joj, also enjoy wide popularity. Thanks to TA3, the first Slovak news channel, Slovaks can watch current news throughout the whole day.

Mass Media | 3

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​British and American TV & radio

Radio and television broadcasting in Britain is provided by BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) which has a very good international reputation. In the USA hundreds of radio stations broadcast in foreign languages for minorities. About 160 radio stations throughout the USA broadcast only in Spanish.

Mass Media | 4

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Slovak newspapers

Most newspapers are daily newspapers. The most popular Slovak daily newspaper include SME, which is a broadsheet, and Pravda. Both of them are widely read and influential. The tabloid Nový Čas and its supplements Nový čas víkend and Nový čas pre ženy is very popular. Economic periodicals include the daily Hospodárske noviny and the weekly Trend. The Slovak Spectator is a weekly English language newspaper which informs its readers about Slovakia in English. Most of the newspapers now have their online editions. There are also many weekly and monthly lifestyle magazines for men, women, teenagers, for people interested in sports, gardening, cars, etc.

Mass Media | 5

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British & American newspapers

There are five quality daily papers in Britain – The Times, The Guardians, The Financial Times, The Independent and The Daily Telegraph. They contain national and international news, business news, sport news and reports. The most popular tabloids are The Daily Mirror and The Sun. The largest daily newspapers published in the USA are The Wall street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post and The New York Post.

Mass Media | 6

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The Internet

The Internet presents a true revolution in many areas of our life. It has changed the way we study, work or spend free time. Via the e-mail, Skype or ICQ we can easily communicate with family, friends, business partners or the people we do not know. It is easy to find information of different types on the Internet. It is much quicker now to find out the information about departures of trains, opening hours or details about products or services. Search engines, online dictionaries and encyclopaedias help us find relevant information. Many people use the Internet as a form of entertainment.

Mass Media | 7

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The Internet

Access to the Internet has also become easier in our country. Most schools, companies and institutions have access to it. It is becoming normal to use the Internet at home too. There is a lot of discussion about the safety of the Internet. They mostly concern the viruses or safety of personal information.

Mass Media | 8

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Questions

?         What is the main role of mass media?

?         Which types of programmes do people like watching to relax?

?         Which are the most popular newspapers in Slovakia? Describe them.

?         What is tabloid?

?         In what ways has the Internet changed our lives?

?         What do you mostly use the Internet for?

After reading the text, discuss these questions.