The 4 Pillars of Mass Communication

Here are some of the most widely used methods of the 4 pillars of communication in greater detail. Understanding the communication pillars aids in identifying the critical factors required for efficient information transmission. So, what is the most widely used form of mass media? Let's explore these fundamental concepts further.

• Print Publications

One of the oldest forms of the 4 pillars of communication is still relevant; books, pamphlets, newspapers, magazines, periodicals, and journals are part of the print publication industry. They are used to sharing news, conveying opinions, narrating stories, and producing research papers, among many other things. Text, symbols, illustrations, images and other forms of static visual communications all form a part of the print media and are often used in various combinations and permutations with each other to deliver messages to wide audiences.

• Radio

Radio is a medium through which electromagnetic signals are delivered over long distances. These signals are sent out through transmitters and obtained by receivers. Radio is also one of the oldest and most cost-effective forms of 4 pillars of communication. Being exclusively auditory in nature, the spoken word, music and other audio cues are used to help create the communique on radio. Music programs, news bulletins, advertisements, stories, and more can be heard on the radio today.

• Television and Cinema

Television and cinema have the advantage of diversity among these traditional forms of media as audiovisual means of communication. Moving pictures and sounds work in confluence to provide clips that are often engaging and entertaining. In one of the biggest industries in the world, everything—from news and live events to soap operas and films—is shared through this medium.

• The Internet

The latest and most significant avenue of communication is the Internet. Combining the singular attributes of all the aforementioned media, the Internet is fast becoming the most essential medium of information globally. Nourished by an ever-growing community of users across various platforms such as computers, tablets, and smartphones, the Internet provides quick and easily accessible information in multiple formats. Messages and emails, podcasts, websites, blogs, videos, and social media are part of the mass communication package, the Internet.

The Indian media industry is already quite expensive and still continues to grow. Here is an excerpt taken from the Indian Brand Equity Foundation that provides evidence for this assertion:

“The Indian media & entertainment sector is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.9 per cent year-on-year to reach Rs. 196,400 crore (US$ 28.82 billion) by 2019. In 2015, the overall Media and Entertainment industry grew 11.7 per cent over 2014.”

Clearly, the media industry is on the cusp of new heights in India and it is a great opportunity for aspirants to take strides in the field. Check out Seamedu’s all-encompassing courses in Broadcast Journalism and Marketing Communications Management and contact us to know how these programs can help you develop into a well-rounded professional in the world of media.