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Class 2

Mass communication serves several key functions, including informing the public, shaping public opinion, and persuading audiences to adopt new beliefs and behaviors. It plays a vital role in disseminating government policies, health and education programs, and providing entertainment. Additionally, mass communication fosters social connections, aids in disaster response, highlights diplomatic roles, and promotes political ideologies.

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5 views

Class 2

Mass communication serves several key functions, including informing the public, shaping public opinion, and persuading audiences to adopt new beliefs and behaviors. It plays a vital role in disseminating government policies, health and education programs, and providing entertainment. Additionally, mass communication fosters social connections, aids in disaster response, highlights diplomatic roles, and promotes political ideologies.

Uploaded by

Qudrat Khan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Functions and Purposes of Mass Communication

1. Informing People

o The primary function of mass communication is to disseminate information to the


general public. This information can pertain to various topics such as education, weather
updates, sports news, product launches, services available, public holidays, festivals, and
entertainment options.

o By keeping the public informed, mass communication plays a crucial role in shaping
knowledge and awareness across society.

2. Building Public Opinion

o Mass communication serves as a powerful tool in shaping public opinion on national and
international issues. Through the portrayal of a realistic world view, coverage of
leadership activities, and discussion of governmental policies, mass media helps form
and influence the collective opinion of the public.

o Public opinion is often molded through special articles, editorials, and commentaries
that provide insight and analysis on current affairs and societal issues.

3. Persuading Audiences

o Another key objective of mass communication is to persuade people to adopt new


beliefs, opinions, attitudes, and behaviors. This is often seen in campaigns addressing
issues like smoking cessation, voting participation, religious beliefs, charitable donations,
and combating social problems like the dowry system.

o By persuading the audience, mass communication can lead to significant social change
and development.

4. Circulating Government Policies

o Mass communication is instrumental in announcing and disseminating government


programs and policies to the public. It ensures that governmental decisions and
initiatives reach the masses quickly and effectively.

o Through channels like television, radio, newspapers, and online platforms, mass media
helps keep the public informed about the latest government actions and their
implications.

5. Disseminating Health and Education Programs

o Governments often rely on mass communication to spread awareness about various


health and educational programs. Examples include vaccination campaigns, sanitation
drives, birth control initiatives, and mass education efforts.

o The reach and influence of mass media make it an ideal tool for ensuring that these
programs are widely known and implemented.
6. Providing Pleasure and Entertainment

o One of the most popular functions of mass communication is to provide entertainment


to the public. Almost every form of mass media, whether it's television, radio, or print,
has an entertainment component.

o From TV shows and radio programs to articles on literary and cultural events, sports
stories, and fictional tales, mass media offers a variety of content that provides
amusement and relaxation to the audience.

7. Establishing Social Contact and Linkage

o Mass communication also plays a role in fostering social contact and maintaining
connections among different races, tribes, or communities. By sharing messages of
common knowledge and experiences, mass media helps build social bonds.

o For instance, fundraising campaigns for specific social causes or disaster relief efforts
help promote social unity and empathy, bringing communities together for a common
purpose.

8. Helping in Facing Disaster and Calamity

o During times of natural or man-made disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, wars, or


riots, mass communication is vital for creating public awareness and providing necessary
instructions and strategies.

o By disseminating information quickly and efficiently, mass media helps the public
prepare for and respond to crises with courage and energy.

9. Highlighting Diplomatic Roles

o In today's interconnected world, countries often use mass communication to highlight


their diplomatic roles in global peacekeeping and development efforts. Through media
coverage, nations can showcase their contributions to international relations and their
stance on global issues.

o This helps in shaping the global image of a country and its leadership on the world stage.

10. Promoting Political Ideologies

o Political parties heavily depend on mass communication to promote their ideologies,


plans, programs, and manifestos. Through mass media, political entities attempt to
create favorable public opinion and garner support for their agendas.

o This function of mass communication is particularly evident during election campaigns,


where media coverage plays a crucial role in influencing voter behavior.

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