Lecture: History and Evolution of Mass Communication

Definition of Mass Communication

• Communication from one person/group to many people through a medium
• Example: TV, radio, newspapers

History of Mass Communication: Three Major Revolutions

1. Development of Phonetic Writing

• Occurred: 3,000 years ago
• Shift: From pictographic (symbols representing objects/ideas) to phonetic (symbols representing sounds)
  • Example: Pictographic: drawing a dog; Phonetic: writing "d-o-g"
• Medium Change: Heavy clay tablets → Lightweight papyrus
  • Papyrus: type of paper made from grass plant
• Impact: Easier & More Portable Writing
  • Writing became easier and smaller
  • Information was cheaper and easier to store
  • Increase in literacy: More people learnt to read/write
  • Communication across different societies
  • Beginning of mass communication: One person/group could reach many

2. Printing and the Printing Press

• Origin: First printing presses in China (305 CE); Significant advancement by Johannes Gutenberg (1455 CE)
  • Chinese Press: Wooden
  • Gutenberg Press: Metal and movable type
• Impact: Faster and Wider Distribution of Information
  • Information reproduced quickly
  • Before: Knowledge restricted to few privileged people
  • After: Knowledge accessible to many
  • Development of libraries: Easier to store information on paper

3. Computer Revolution

• Start: 1950s
• Nature: Electronic storage and transmission of information
  • Transition from physical (stone/paper) to digital
• Impact: Efficiency in Processing, Transmitting, and Storing Information
  • Faster and easier
  • Significant change in mass communication

Key Ideas in Mass Communication

1. Ability to Store Information
2. Ability to Transport Information
3. Access to Information

Next Class: See you on Tuesday!