Vocabulary for discussing mass media, journalism, advertising, and the influence of media on society.
disseminate
To spread information, knowledge, or ideas widely.
Band 7+ example
“Social media platforms have dramatically accelerated the speed at which information is disseminated to the public.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
The news was disseminated to many people quickly.
The capacity of digital media to disseminate information instantaneously has transformed public discourse.
bias
Prejudice in favour of or against one thing, person, or group; a tendency to present information in a particular way.
Band 7+ example
“Media bias can distort public perception by selectively emphasising certain narratives while omitting others.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
The news has a lot of bias in it.
Recognising inherent media bias is essential for developing critical media literacy skills.
censorship
The suppression or prohibition of speech, public communication, or other information deemed objectionable by authorities.
Band 7+ example
“State censorship of the press fundamentally undermines the principles of democratic governance and free expression.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Censorship stops people from saying what they think.
Censorship of independent media outlets stifles public debate and restricts access to diverse viewpoints.
misinformation
False or inaccurate information, especially that which is deliberately intended to deceive.
Band 7+ example
“The rapid spread of misinformation on social media poses a significant threat to public health and democratic processes.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
There is too much misinformation in the internet.
Combating misinformation requires a combination of media literacy education and platform accountability.
impartial
Treating all rivals or disputants equally; not biased or prejudiced.
Band 7+ example
“An impartial press is indispensable for holding those in power accountable and informing the electorate.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
The media should be impartial and not take sides.
Ensuring impartial reporting requires editorial independence free from political and commercial pressures.
sensationalism
The use of exciting or shocking stories or language at the expense of accuracy, in order to provoke public interest.
Band 7+ example
“Media sensationalism can distort the public's understanding of risk by disproportionately covering dramatic but rare events.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Sensationalism makes news more exciting but not true.
The prevalence of sensationalism in news coverage has eroded public trust in mainstream journalism.
influencer
A person with the ability to influence potential buyers of a product or service through social media presence.
Band 7+ example
“The rise of social media influencers has fundamentally altered traditional advertising and marketing strategies.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Influencers make people buy things they don't need.
The growing influence of digital influencers has prompted calls for stricter regulation of sponsored content.
propaganda
Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view.
Band 7+ example
“Throughout history, propaganda has been employed by authoritarian regimes to manipulate public opinion and suppress dissent.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
The government uses propaganda to control people's thinking.
The proliferation of online propaganda has complicated efforts to maintain an informed and discerning electorate.
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