It is not a secret that mass media play a great role in the life of society in general. They are even considered as 'the fourth authority' (четвертая власть).
But what do we mean by saying this term - mass media?
Television, radio and press are what we now know as mass media, while the Internet is remaining independent.
Mass media can inform, educate and entertain people. They also may influence the way people see the world around them.
There is a lot of advertisment on mass media. Some of the TV and radio stations and newspapers are owned by different corporations. The owners can advertise whatever they choose.
But from my point of view, it is unfair to claim that mass media do not try to raise cultural level of the people. Mass media brings to millions of homes not only entertaiment and news but also educational and scientific programs.