1. TV is a great force in the world. We get a great amount of information by watching documentaries, science programmes, discussions, interviews, news commentaries. It gives wonderful possibilities for education. But in spite of this obvious potential of TV as an educational medium, this potential is wasted.
a) There are too many programmes that are not educational at all. Surprisingly, but the most popular TV programmes are those where people are not expected to think. Take for example comedy shows where the views can't be trusted to laugh by themselves but are supposed to laugh when they hear the recorded laughter from a TV studio.
b) Well, we shouldn't forget that it is not so easy to create a good TV programme. This creative process takes a lot of time. It may probably explain why we have so many TV programmes of poor quality. It's impossible to keep pace with the demand and maintain high standards as well.
c) And yet, TV is one of the most important means of communication by pictures and sounds. The visual impact of TV can be enormously helpful in encouraging people, especially children, to take an interest in the outside world. It is easier, for instance, to show how scientific process work on a TV screen than by means of explanations in the book.
2. Radio is also a very important mass medium. It offers us a wide range of programmes that you may choose to your taste. Besides radio is a source of pleasure and entertainment but nowadays it is not frequently used anymore because of TV and the Internet.
a) For the most up-to-the-minute, quickest news no medium currently does better than radio. Many stations carry news every 30 minutes, most every hour. We can’t imagine our life without a radio. It is available practically everywhere, it has become almost standard equipment in automobiles as well. A radio station can present news almost as it happens.
b) Today radio news functions best as a headline service, as a first alert for recent weather information. You can’t hear detailed information, serious commentaries and discussions over the radio because there are not so many good radio stations that have news departments and reporters.
c) Radio today is more a source of entertainment and pleasure than information and education. Radio goes into comparatively little detail in comparison with news magazines and newspapers providing the most in-depth reporting. But radio is a very convenient mass medium because you can listen to the radio doing all kinds of household chores simultaneously.
13. You’ve got the front pages of three newspapers. Study them and say:
- if they are English or American newspapers. Give proofs supporting your opinion:
- if they are quality newspapers or tabloids.
While studying these pages remember that quality papers concern themselves mainly with factual reports of major national and international events, with the world of politics and business and with arts and sport, music and education. The tabloids concentrate on more emotive reporting of stories often featuring violence, the Royal family, film and pop stars, and sport. They often publish crosswords, quizzes, skill gaming, etc. Pay attention to titles, sub-titles and pictures. They will help you to make your decision (what newspaper it is).
Work in pairs or in small groups. Ask questions to find out the opinion of your partner(s). Use the following formulas to express your opinion: In my opinion; to my mind; I think that…; my viewpoint is …; it’s common knowledge; it is evident that …. Change the roles as you go. Say what other English and American newspapers you know and if you ever happened to read them (or you would like to read). Speak of your preferences.
