Media are the ways information and entertainment are delivered to the public, such as television, radio, newspapers, and the internet. The word is often used to talk about news organizations and mass communication in general.
Latin plural of “medium” meaning 'middle, means, channel'. It originally referred to the means of communication, as a 'middle' between sender and receiver. Over time, the plural form “media” became the main everyday word for communication industries.
Media literally means 'the in‑betweens'—the channels that stand between people and information. That’s why arguments about 'the media' are really arguments about who controls the middle layer between events and our understanding of them.
Mass media has long reflected and reinforced gender stereotypes, from underrepresentation of women and non-binary people to sexualization and narrow role portrayals. News and entertainment industries historically marginalized women as decision-makers and experts.
When discussing 'the media', note how coverage can differ by gender and highlight voices from underrepresented genders where relevant.
["press","news outlets","content platforms"]
Women journalists, editors, and media scholars have been central in exposing gender bias in coverage and in building more inclusive media institutions.
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