Mass Communication: Some Redefinitional Notes

This paper offers a new definition of mass communication, one that embraces the Internet and its capacity to allow communication between individuals on a mass scale; decentralized broadcasting by means of the Web; and the traditional, centralized media of mass communication such as broadcasting and newspapers. It argues that such a redefinition affirms public access and relegates centralized broadcasting to a more appropriate, particular type of mass communication. It also discusses other redefinitional literature that focuses on the mass/interpersonal communication dichotomy. The paper is intended both to redefine and to encourage discussion of the significance of changing, modern communication technology.