The mass communication definition refers to the process of delivering a message to a large audience. The mass communication process can encompass the creation, sending, receiving and analysis of broadly communicated messages. Mass communication professionals, such as broadcasters, can use a variety of mass media, meaning the form in which messages are delivered. Mass media includes print, audiovisual and digital media.

If you’re passionate about language and communications, you may be interested in exploring career options in this field. First, take a closer look at the types and elements of mass communication, as well as its importance for society. Then, consider career pathway possibilities and communications degree options at GCU.

No matter which types of mass communication media are used, all broadly distributed messages have certain core elements that characterize them. 

These include the following:

• Sender: A sender can be an individual, a company or other organization, including a media organization. The sender is responsible for creating and transmitting the message. Senders act as gatekeepers, selecting and adjusting the message that is transmitted.
• Recipient: The receiver is the audience, comprised of individuals, who receive the message. Each individual receiver may interpret the message a little bit differently, based on factors such as their pre-existing opinions, beliefs and life experience.
• Message: The message itself is the content that is being transmitted to a large audience. There is a diverse range of types of messages, including advertisements, educational material, news and entertainment pieces.
• Channel: The channel is the medium through which the message is delivered to its audience. For example, a message may be delivered through print media, digital media (including social media) or broadcast media.
• Feedback: When the audience receives the message, they may have a reaction or response. For example, a social media audience may leave comments on a widely distributed post. An audience of consumers may respond by altering their buying behaviors.

There are many types of mass messaging that communications professionals can use. Mass communications can be categorized according to the media being used to convey the message (e.g., digital media), as well as the primary purpose of the message (e.g., advertising).

Some commonly used types to consider, categorized by purpose, include:

• Advertising: Advertising and marketing messages can be communicated in many different types of media, including print media, broadcast media and digital media. The purpose of advertising and marketing messages is to increase sales of a product or service.
• Journalism: Journalism involves news communications, which may have a local, state, regional, national or international focus. Journalists are responsible for investigating current events, interviewing relevant parties, verifying facts and disseminating the story in an objective way.
• Public relations: While similar to marketing and advertising, the public relations field is distinct. Mass communications in PR focuses on improving the public perception of an organization, individual or other entity.
• Entertainment: Some messages are conveyed purely for entertainment purposes, as in comedy sketches on national broadcasts or movies shown in theaters and streamed via smart TVs.

The types of mass communication can also be categorized by the media used to deliver the message, such as:

• Print media: Print media can include physical copies of newspapers, magazines, books and pamphlets.
• Broadcast media: Broadcast media includes TV and radio. Broadcast media primarily delivers entertainment and news messages, although it may also deliver educational content. Broadcast media can also be used to convey emergency public awareness messages, such as warnings about tornadoes in the listeners’ area.
• Digital media: Digital media encompasses all sorts of mass communications messages conveyed through the internet, including websites and social media. Digital media can convey marketing and advertising messages, entertainment content, educational media, news and more. It encompasses podcasts, social media posts, discussion forums and websites.
• Film and cinema: Film and cinema may convey entertainment media as well as educational content. For example, the audience may watch an educational documentary, comedy movie or drama TV show.

There are other mass communication examples as well, such as audiobooks and music albums. As technology continues to evolve, it’s possible that additional forms of mass communications will emerge in the future.

What is mass communication’s importance to society? Mass communication has long been relevant to society, both as a whole and to the individuals it is comprised of. It allows for the rapid dissemination of critical news, including emergency alerts, public awareness campaigns (e.g., public health updates) and the news. It can also entertain individuals, providing relief from boredom and offering an emotional connection.

Beyond simply transmitting messages, mass communication can play a role in effecting positive change. For example, a journalist may investigate a corporation for violating environmental protection laws, potentially leading to governmental action that curbs the violations.

All forms of communication involve sending and receiving messages, but there are significant differences. For example, unlike interpersonal communication, mass communication is characterized by anonymous interactions. The sender and the recipients do not have a personal relationship, nor are they speaking face-to-face.

Similarly, small group communication may often involve transmitting messages to a fairly homogenous audience. The small group of people receiving the message may have the same interests or come from the same background. For example, a work meeting is an example of small group communication, in which one or more speakers discuss a topic with a group of professionals with similar academic and work backgrounds and similar interests.

In contrast, broadly communicated messages are typically transmitted to a fairly heterogeneous audience. That audience may be comprised of people from all walks of life, backgrounds, interests and experiences. As a result, the message must hold broad appeal or be relevant to many different people.

The mass communications field offers a wealth of opportunities to specialize according to one’s interests and strengths. According to Indeed, some of the career opportunities in this field include the following:^{(See disclaimer 1)}

• Content writer: Professional writers may create material for mass communication via print or digital media. They can focus on creating informational, educational or entertainment materials, as well as marketing and advertising materials. They may write blogs, website copy, social media posts, product descriptions and more.
• Journalist: Journalists investigate current events and trends, interviewing people involved in an event or other happening and verifying information. They may pitch story ideas to editors, cultivate contacts and then write news articles. Some journalists may focus on a particular area, such as an industry or region of the world.
• Filmmaker: Film directors review and select scripts to turn into movies or documentaries. They manage a team of actors, storyboard artists, lighting technicians and other professionals who help turn the script into a polished media product.
• Director of communications: A director of communications manages the mass messaging of an organization, such as a corporation. They may develop public relations campaigns and oversee marketing strategies. They represent the organization during media interviews and press conferences.

If you’re interested in studying techniques in mass communication, you can earn an on-campus or online communications degree at Grand Canyon University. Our private Christian university offers a number of language and communications degrees, including the Bachelor of Arts in Communications, which explores a range of types of communication methods and strategies.