Question

Public communication is best defined as: Select one: a. the process of using messages to generate meanings in a mediated system, between a source and a large number of unseen receivers. b. the process of using messages to generate meaning in a small group of people. c. the process of using messages to generate meanings in a situation in which a speaker transmits a message to a number of receivers. d. two-person communication e. the process of using messages to generate meaning between at least two people in a situation that allows mutual opportunities for both speaking and listening.

Answer 1

Public communication is defined as the use of messages to create meanings in a mediated system between a source and a large, unseen audience, facilitated by mass media like TV, radio, and the Internet. It serves as a vital link between the government and the public and has been transformed by new media and technological advancements.

Step-by-step explanation:

Definition of Public Communication

Public communication is best defined as the process of using messages to generate meanings in a mediated system, between a source and a large number of unseen receivers. This form of communication utilizes various forms of mass media, including television, radio, and the Internet, to convey messages to a broad audience. Unlike two-person communication or small group interactions, public communication is characterized by its one-to-many dynamic, where one entity (whether an individual, an organization, or a government body) transmits information to many people simultaneously. Mass media plays a crucial role in this process by acting as the conduit through which the message is disseminated, ensuring that the content can reach a large number of individuals across diverse geographical areas.

Understanding public communication is essential as it fulfills the role of being the Common Carrier, providing a crucial link between the government and the public, and vice versa. In today's society, technology's rapid advancement has heavily influenced the way public communication is conducted, with a shift towards new media that relies heavily on electronic technology and the Internet. Crucially, the medium through which the message is transmitted can significantly shape the content and the experience of the audience, as famously noted by media scholar Marshall McLuhan with his aphorism "the medium is the message".

Answer 2

c. the process of using messages to generate meanings in a situation in which a speaker transmits a message to a number of receivers.

Step-by-step explanation:

Public communication involves a sender transmitting information through a communication channel to a group of people or audience. Thus, the sender makes use of a means by which the message goes from the source to the receiver. For example, a journalist writes an article about eating healthily on the beach, which is later published on the newspaper.