Introduction
The present term paper of the course is devoted to the subject the US mass media. This subject is important to treat on because of the great significance of the American mass media in the study of culture and way of life in the USA. Mass media is one of the keys to master the language, without knowing major newspapers, TV and radio channels it is impossible to master the language and to get to know the traditions and social background of the country. That’s why pupils must know the most important information related to the US mass media. Studying all the aspects of the mass media in the USA is very important not only for learning about this country but also for understanding many present trends and events in the USA.
As we know mass media can be considered the reflection of the country’s social and cultural life. It means that for studying traditions, customs, habits and traditional way of life in the USA we should investigate the history of mass media, its present status, and its influence on the life of Americans and its significance and importance for the US citizens.
3. Major types of media in America
3.1 US Television
Television is one of the greatest achievements of the 20th century and the most popular kind of mass media. Television brings world to our living rooms. It gives people an opportunity to be well-informed by watching documentaries, science programmes, panel discussions and so on. Television provides great opportunities for education. With the help of TV it is possible to study foreign languages, to learn a lot of amazing things. At the same time there are many arguments against TV. Accessing watching has a bad effect on the eyes. Today a lot of people have become TV-addicts, in other words couch potatoes. Instead of going to a theatre or reading books mankind prefer to watch TV. But still, television plays a very important role in people's life in spite of the rise of the Internet & other high-technology sources of information .
There are three basic types of television in the United States: broadcast, or "over-the-air" television, which is freely available to anyone with a TV in the broadcast area, cable television, and satellite television, both of which require a subscription to receive.
The United States has a decentralized, market-oriented television system. Unlike many other countries, the United States has no national broadcast programming services. Instead, local media markets have their own television stations, which may be affiliated or owned and operated by a TV network. Stations may sign affiliation agreements with one of the national networks.
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