Difference Between Mass Media And Mass Communication
Using the terms mass media and mass communication interchangeably? No more. Let's learn the difference between mass media and mass communication in this article.
Mass Communication and Mass Media are two seemingly similar fields, but there are some differences between the two. Where Mass Communication refers to the act of disseminating information to the public, Mass Media refers to the medium or method employed for dissemination of this information. To elaborate, there are three traditional types of Mass Media – print, broadcast and cinema. Apart from these, with the advent of technology and the Internet, new forms of media and communication are continually being added every now and then. Whereas, Mass Communication is a process in which a person, group or organization spreads its message through communication. Students can learn more about the difference between Mass Communication and Mass Media courses in the article below.
Difference Between Mass Media and Mass Communication
Let us list the differences between the two for a better understanding.
| Mass Media |
Mass Communication |
|---|---|
| The channels and technologies used for mass communication. |
The process of sharing information with the masses. |
| Includes platforms like television, newspaper, internet, radio, etc. |
Involves the creation, production and distribution of content. |
| The focus is on the tools and technologies employed for information dissemination. |
Focuses on the process, the message, the sender, the receiver, etc. |
Mass Communication Courses and Duration
Tabulated below are some of the popular Mass Communication programmes offered in India:
| Mass Communication Course Name | Type of Course | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| BA in Mass Communication | Undergraduate | 3-year |
| BA in Media Studies | Undergraduate | 3-year |
| Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication (BJMC) | Undergraduate | 3-year |
| BA Hons Multi-Media & Mass Communication (BMMMC) | Undergraduate | 3-year |
| BA in Film Making and Mass Communication | Undergraduate | 3-year |
| Masters of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) | Postgraduate | 2-year |
| PG Diploma in Business Journalism & Corporate Communication (DBJCC) | Postgraduate Diploma | 1-year |
| PhD in Mass Communication | Doctorate Degree | 2-year |
Mass Media Courses and Duration
Tabulated below are some of the popular Mass Media programmes offered in India:
| Mass Media Course Name | Type of Course | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Mass Media (BMM) | Undergraduate | 3-year |
| BA in Media Studies | Undergraduate | 3-year |
| BA in Media Communication | Undergraduate | 3-year |
| Bachelor in Media Science | Undergraduate | 3-year |
Mass Communication Vs Mass Media: Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for both Mass Communication and Mass Media courses are similar. Given below are the eligibility standards as per the programme level.
- For UG Courses: 10+2 passouts from any stream from a recognised board are eligible to apply. For some universities/ colleges, the eligibility states that a candidate should be a minimum of 17 years of age at the time of admission.
- PG Courses: Bachelor degree holders in any stream from a recognised university are eligible to apply.
Mass Communication Vs Mass Media: Subjects
Tabulated below are the differences in topics studied across all Mass Media and Mass Communication specialisations.
| Mass Communication Subjects | Mass Media Subjects |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Journalism | Effective Communication Skills |
| Contemporary Issues | Political Concepts and Indian Political System |
| Basics of Design and Graphic | Introduction to Computers |
| Corporate Communication | Principles of Marketing & Management |
| Media and Human Rights | Mass Media Research |
| Media Laws and Ethics | Organizational Behavior |
| Photography | Radio and Television |
| Media Management | Advanced Computers |
| Introduction to Advertising | Culture Studies |
| Media Research | Creative Writing |
| Communication Research | Journalism Or Advertising Journalism |
Also Read:
- Career and Job opportunities after Master’s in Journalism and Mass Communication
- What To Do After BMM? 10 Best Career Options After BMM
Mass Communication Vs Mass Media: Skills Required
Given below are some of the top and most important skills that are required in the respective fields:
| Mass Communication Skillset | Mass Media Skillset |
|---|---|
| Creativity | Research skills |
| Communication Skills | Communication skills |
| Networking Skills | Writing Skills |
| Interviewing Skills | Acquaintance skills |
| Problem-solving skills | Seasoned Digital Skills |
| Research ability | Interpersonal skills |
| Observation and Interpretation Skills | Ability to work under pressure |
| Ability to work under pressure | To meet daily targets efficiently |
| Ability to express ideas clearly | Social Media Knowledge |
Job Options After Mass Communication and Mass Media Courses
In terms of job prospects, there are immense possibilities in both the Mass Communication and Mass Media sectors. Due to the proliferation of new media, employment opportunities have increased even more. Those interested in this field can find employment in industries such as news agencies, television and radio news channels, newspapers, magazines, news portals, advertising companies, corporate communications, public relations, cinema and the United Nations Organization etc. The job profiles for both courses are the same. Given below are some of the popular job profiles:
- TV Anchor
- Radio Jockey
- Public Relation Manager
- Photographer
- Screenplay Writer
- Event hosts/ managers
- Film/TV Producer
- Director
- Journalist
- Editor
Top Colleges for Mass Communication and Mass Media Courses
Some of the popular colleges providing Mass Communication and Mass Media courses in India are mentioned below:
Important Entrance Exams
To get admission in the courses of Mass Communication and Mass Media, candidates need to qualify for the following entrance exams:
Read More:
Aayushi is a BAJMC graduate and an ardent consumer of content with a keen passion for film, TV and books. She specialises in Mass Communication and Humanities related exams, entrances and courses.