Mixed media refers to the forms of communication widely used to regulate information and knowledge globally. Types of mixed media include Television, Internet, Radio, Newspapers, and Magazines. The purpose of media is to share the news with people about what is happening rapidly with accurate information and data. It is also a platform for individuals to showcase their voice and talents as well. As a result, people are made aware of the latest happenings worldwide, such as political news, crimes, brand advertisements, celebrity news, astrology, educational announcements, and many more.
Types of Media:
Newspapers and magazines are some of the oldest print media used for spreading information and knowledge. The first-ever published newspaper in the Indian subcontinent was called “Bengal Gazette” in 1780, at Calcutta (Now Kolkata) under the British Raj. Newspapers are a daily published form of print media with the latest news every day. They are an essential part of the lives of our prior generations. The eldest members of an Indian family, especially the male members, start their days with the newspaper. Newspapers are now available online as well in e-paper format. However, the newspaper in this modern era has lost its popularity due to the availability of social media. The major disadvantage of newspapers is that any event occurring after the paper is published is not included until the following publication. Social media has taken over its popularity because it rapidly spreads any news globally within minutes. Leading newspaper brands in India today include Times of India, Hindustan Times, Dainik Bhaskar, The Indian Express, The Telegraph, and many more. Magazines have also been around since the British period. Magazines are published weekly, monthly, or even every fortnight. They are colourful and glossy printed paper containing entertainment news and articles, such as celebrity news, fashion news, and tips, recipes, interviews of celebrities, shopping guides, advertisements, etc. The very first published magazine in India by the British was “The Oriental” around the 1780s. The popularity of magazines has also reduced much because of social media. Celebrities and their lifestyle/interviews are now effortlessly available on social media posted by themselves. Few popular Indian magazines are Vogue, Femina, India Today, Forbes, Filmfare, Elle, etc.
Radio has also been around for quite a long time now. “All India Radio” is India’s first national radio which came around the 1930s. Radios were the top chosen form of media to hear news during the early times. Back when radio had great popularity, it was only available in large-sized FM radios with antennas. They are now readily available on music players of cars, mobile phones, and iPod/MP3 players.
Television, the form of media that has developed over time without losing much of its popularity. Televisions broadcast news, movies, daily soaps, advertisements, and different entertainment shows. The first TV in India was available in Delhi around 1959. All the broadcasts were telecasted in black and white then. The first Indian TV channel was Doordarshan. Televisions of the early eras were enormous in size and very heavy in weight. With changing technology, a variety of channels are now available. The size and weight are also decreasing. Smart/Internet TVs are top-rated now which have access to the internet connection.
Internet is the most potent and most popularly used form of media in today’s era. The internet has opened up social media platforms which have reduced the popularity of the previously available and traditional forms of media. The reason behind it is the nature of it. The internet spreads information and news much more rapidly than other media; it is easily accessible and portable to carry by all compared to other media. Everything now is available to do through the internet, from watching the news, shopping, food ordering, education, being updated about the rest of the world, and communicating with others living anywhere around the world. Social media is a platform through which people communicate with each other, get updates about celebrities and everything else. It is used for online learning and business as well. Some popular social media platforms are Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, etc. The internet has also made newspapers available online to reduce paper usage.
Mixed Media: Blessing or a Curse?
Mixed media has developed over a period, so has its advantages and disadvantages. Advancing mixed media has been a blessing for us. The facilities it provides have made our lives simpler and manageable. It is considered a blessing because of its nature. Communication of news and information, communicating with others is very rapid and easy. It allows us to gather knowledge without having to look around for it much far. Emergency help, researching information in short periods, communicating with others far away from us, getting goods and services delivered to us without much hassle, everything is the blessing of mixed media.
Like anything else, mixed media also has its disadvantages. Mixed media becomes a curse to its users in many cases. Media often regulates information with less accuracy and moulding any news to make it attractive to the audience. It often results in harassment of the subjects in the news. The internet has given birth to cyberbullying as well. Cyberbullying is when individuals are harassed or threatened on social media platforms. Such events have drastically changed the lives of many people. Many lives have been ruined due to the harassment. It has lead to disrespect, crimes, suicide/death, and many more terrible outcomes.
The purpose of mixed media is to spread knowledge and information to benefit people in a positive way. Therefore, stricter laws should be incorporated for crimes taking place through or because of mixed media.
