Final answer:
Mass media, which includes television, print, radio, and Internet, plays an essential role in disseminating news and information to the public, informally known as media coverage or a news release. Despite challenges and changes, including the rise of personalized news consumption, mass media remains a vital part of daily life informing the public about current events and shaping societal perceptions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Public information about a company, good, or service appearing in the mass media as a news item is often referred to as a news release or media coverage. This encompasses all forms of media, including television, print, radio, and Internet, designed to inform a wide audience about current events, policies, and various happenings within society.
Mass media play a critical role in shaping and informing the public perception, both through broadcast methods such as television network transmissions and through print media like newspapers and magazines. They are expected to provide this information in a neutral and unbiased manner, despite being conglomerates that can potentially influence the flow of information due to their vast ownership of different media outlets.
With the advancements in technology, such as the internet and social media, the media landscape has shifted from traditional mass broadcasting to specialized 'narrowcasting'. Consumers now have more power to select their news sources based on personal preferences, which has led to a fragmented landscape where news is more personalized but also potentially less universally comprehensive. Despite these changes, the mass media remains an essential part of our daily lives, informing us of politics, government, and public policies.