From prime time television news to push updates across millions of mobile phones, mass communication plays a key role in modern society. Understanding what mass communication is, why it’s important and the different types can help potential communication students determine whether this field is right for them.
Learning to understand how different types of communication impact diverse populations is critical for those who want to work in fields such as marketing, media or public relations. A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication can teach aspiring professionals how to effectively spread important messages to large audiences.
Mass Communication Definition
Mass communication can be defined as the effective sharing of information with a large audience. The media through which this communication takes place are known as mass media and include radio, television, mobile devices, direct mail and the internet.
Mass communication comes in many forms and serves various purposes, including educating the general public, promoting political campaigns and providing entertainment. It can be used to quickly spread information far beyond the original source. Journalists, marketers, politicians and public relations professionals with a firm understanding of the process can use it to communicate with a broad audience.
Mass Communication Types and Examples
Mass communication can be divided into several types, including print, broadcast, digital and recorded media.
Print Media
Books, magazines, pamphlets and newspapers are the most common forms of print media. From local newspapers to niche magazines, these publications can be purchased or delivered via direct mail. Although many have documented the decline of print media, the global printing industry was still valued at more than $500 billion in 2024, according to Grand View Research.
While the digital transformation is well underway, print media can still be effective in communication. These publications have a strong cultural history, offer a targeted reach and provide consumers with a tangible experience.
Broadcast Media
Broadcast media, including radio and television, remain quite popular in the United States. Though these communication forms primarily deliver entertainment and music, they also provide news and educational content.
Broadcasting remains one of the most effective ways to deliver emergency messaging, including severe weather alerts, and many brands still rely on it for their advertising needs.
Digital Media
Communication via digital media platforms is one of the most important forms of communication in modern society, and the most commonly used. As of March 2025, the average consumer spent about six hours each day interacting with digital media through personal computers, tablets and mobile phones, according to Deloitte.
Using digital media is the most effective mass communication strategy for brands looking to gain network traffic. From search engine optimized websites to paid advertisements, the digital landscape offers exceptional opportunities to build brands and reputations.
Podcasts
Podcasts are a highly effective form of digital media due to their accessibility and ease of use. Rather than requiring consumers to watch a program, they allow users to listen on demand as they clean their homes, commute to work or sit in waiting rooms. More than 584 million regular podcast consumers listen to more than 3.5 million different podcasts (more than 175 million episodes) worldwide, according to 2025 Statista data reported by Digital Silk.
Many brands sponsor podcasts, giving them another option for building brand recognition and trust. The creators of these podcasts use them to get their own messages out, typically educating or informing others.
Social Media
Social media platforms include Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube. These platforms encourage individuals to interact and engage with one another.
Many brands use social media in their digital marketing strategies. Social media activity can be an excellent outlet for driving engagement and traffic, especially effective for influencers, educators and entertainers.
Other Mass Communication Examples
Mass communication can also be delivered through albums and other recordings, cinema and audiobooks. Though cinema is often used to entertain, it can also educate and sway audience opinion. Music can be an excellent way to reach millions of people, and audiobooks provide another way to reach those who are less likely to read a physical book.
Learn How to Reach the Public Effectively With a Communication Degree
Mass communication is vital to global society. Users regularly rely on it for their news, education, entertainment and even safety. Using mass media to communicate with the public requires a specific set of skills, and the Bachelor of Arts in Communication program at the University at Albany can give you a solid foundation in the field.
By developing knowledge of traditional and mainstream mass communication types and learning how they impact individuals and society, you can become a communication professional working in areas such as media, marketing and public relations.
With both online and in-person options, the BA in Communication program is flexible, accessible and designed with you in mind. Take your first step toward a rewarding career in communication today.
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