'Nowadays, the mass media do not report the news; they make the news'. Discuss this with references to recent events. In order to discuss this motion, lets define mass media. Mass media is a term used to denote, as a class, that section of the media specifically envisioned and designed to reach a very large audience such as the population of a nation state. through the purpose of mass media, we can infer the mass media was orginally intended to educate masses and provide first hand informations. Mass media include print media (newspapers, magazines); broadcast media (radio stations, television stations, television networks). due to technological advancement, there is increasingly usage of Internet-based media (World Wide Web pages, weblogs and online forums).


i disagree to the motion that mass media create news not report news. Media do report news however, whether it is in an ethical manner that left much to dispute about. Arent daily printed materials such as newspaper contradiction to the fact that mass media dont report news? isnt too fast to jump to conclusion that mass media are solely unethical by generating news to capture their reader's attention? i believe well-establish news agency like CNN, BCC and reuters will first jump up and oppose this claim. these companies have been man's trustworthy aid in understanding global and gain insight for many contemporary issues. thus, their best flattery would be the high rate of subscription and commonly cited by teachers as guide to good english grades. since these companies received world-wide recognition, do you think they would tarnish their reputation by creating untruthful truths? my point is that printed materials such as economists, times and newsweeks are responsible publishers that account for their statements, therefore, they should be classified as plainly generating news to entertain readers. In my opinion, printed materials, except for magazines and tabloids tend to provide factual reports supported by credible evidence.


on the other hand, its the internet-based culture that is the black sheep of mass media. the freedom of expression through blogs and forums allow blunt comments. the lack of internet watchdogs allow people to generate news at their own pace. to worsen the situation, everyone has access to the comments or 'facts' that one typed recklessly. let me use an example to illustrate my point, recently there was a big woo-hoo on britney spears who shave her head bald. shaving bald for a man is normal, for a woman is slightly more unusual, however, its not too the extent that headlines are all about her and limelight cast upon the rumours behind her shaved head. isnt the issue exaggerated? rumours are examples of creation of news, they share the same characteristics, untrue and overly-emphasised. critics may argue, even local newspaper like straits times has entertainment section, they are also responsible for blowing up issues. but i would say, they do it proportionately and rationally.

to a small extent, mass media create news, it would be really unfair to claim that mass media dont not report news.