Think that all different types of media have lots of different influences on society, especially individuals. There is an enormous variety of media including; television, newspapers

        Television is another form of extreme media. With lots of different options for hundreds of different channels, e.g. Sky, digital, free view etc. with hundreds of different channels now available there are lots of different programmes appealing to lots of different viewers. From soaps, like Coronation Street, to documentaries, like a day to remember, there’s something for all ages and makes it hard for people not to get infected by this contagious disease. Some people might argue that television is a waste of time that could be better spent or that it displaces the brain of useful information, when in fact these people are mistaken. With televisions powerful documentaries it encourages everyone to take an interest in something and to learn about a passion or maybe teach them how to carry out a dream. Television actually develops and nurtures the mind. Even soaps have a secret hidden agenda of teaching the viewer about topics some people are too scared to talk about or confront. For example a recent storyline in Coronation Street about an emotional violent relationship shows that just because someone doesn’t show bruises doesn’t mean they aren’t in a abusive relationship. Soaps also feature stories of transvestites, child abductions, murders, child neglect etc. putting these on a television screen educates people about everyday things that other people believe shouldn’t be discussed.

        Radio is another form of media, however it’s less extreme. Radio generally reaches out to the younger generation with popular radio stations, like Galaxy 102 and Key 103, they feature what is known as popular music, dance and R’n’B. it encourages teenagers to be creative and inspires them to sing, dance and show their creative side, however at the same time its persuading people to buy the singles, albums etc. In between breaks in music forms of advertising are used to advertise certain products and shops like; orange networks new deals, 118-118 and internet suppliers. They encourage people to buy luxuries that they don’t really need but by getting celebrities to appear on radio advertisement makes them want them regardless of whether or not they need them.

Magazines are a completely different kind of media to radio, television and advertising. They offer support, real life situations and an escape to relax for a few minutes. They feature advice pages raising issues that people would be too embarrassed to talk about. For example issues about sexual infections that teenagers maybe too embarrassed to seek the help of someone they know can get confidential advice through an agony aunt page. They show real life extraordinary situation that people face, stories like “my best friend and my dads affair”.

Newspapers are yet again a very political form of media. They hold the key to informing the public about political and world wide events. For example the Iraq war, the prime minister elections etc. newspapers come in two basic forms, as tabloid (which features mainly gossip and less political events) and broadsheet (the more business and political of the two).

The forms of media discussed are just a few of the different types of media hounding the public in the 21st century. As the years go by I’m sure we types of media will be discovered and old types of media will be over used and over exposed then ever before.