FUNCTIONS OF MASS MEDIA

The term 'Media'is derived from Medium, which stands for carrier or mode. The term was first used when Newspaper and Magazines were invented. Now with the passage of time, the term 'Media' was broadened to Radio, Television, Cinema, and Internet.

Media is a tool of Mass Communication through which information or data is delivering or receiving from all over the World. Mass Media have several purposes, which are to inform, to educate, to aware and entertainment. Media is a powerful weapon in today's World. Media sharing a ton of information and knowledge, media is also helping the public in changing their perspectives and thoughts on any topic or situation.

For more than 50 years researchers and scholars have recognized that Mass communication is a functional activity for a Healthy Society. Mass Media have several important functions, which are as follows: Surveillance, Correlation, Socialization and Entertainment (Laswell, 1948 & Wright, 1986). These functions are very important in all societies and at all times of war and peace.

Let discuss Functions of Media one-by-one to understand them properly. Surveillance and Correlation: These are the most important function for a Democratic state. Media serves as a watchdog, by tracking and monitoring the activities in the surroundings whether it is internal or external. Mass media also monitoring the activities of terrorists. Media is educating and highlighting important issues and events.  Solidarity:

It is the socialization function of mass media. It connects people and also serves to bond people to their societies, by reinforcing the social norms, rules, and regulations. People show solidarity to their society because Unity makes nations Strong. Tension Reduction (Entertainment):

It is the function for relaxation, rest and tension reduction. It includes Drama, Movies, Action-adventure programs, Music, Patriotic songs. These are the factors which could help distract viewers from their tensions and issues.