Debunking 5 Myths About Mass Communication

Many people tend to think of mass communication as a fun and exciting field – you get to write articles, be a news anchor and interview celebrities or work behind the camera such as broadcasting or film. Aside from all the fun and glamour that may be associated with mass communication, it can be a challenging field to pursue.

If you wish to study mass communications, you may be faced with many opinions regarding the subject. Just remember, some of these opinions are merely myths.

In this article, we debunk five common myths about mass communication.

Myth #1 – Mass communication is only for extroverts.

There are various aspects in mass communication that requires the ability to work independently, for example, sitting at your desk writing articles or a script. If you are an introvert with a good command of language and a passion for writing, you can work in print/digital media as a journalist or editor. You don’t have to be a news anchor.

Myth #2 – Mass communication students don’t have to worry about doing math.

Math is still necessary. Reporting and conducting research for articles requires statistics. Media planning requires budgeting and planning an event involves calculations and budgeting.

Myth #3 – You won’t be successful unless you’re on TV.

Mass communication includes many other creative fields such as public relations and event management. There are many individuals involved in the process of bringing an idea to life, for example editors and writers. Those behind the camera are as essential as individuals in front of the camera.

Myth #4 – Mass communication graduates don’t earn a lucrative income.

There will always be jobs within a particular field that make more money than the rest. This is the norm in any field. The more experienced professionals will earn a higher salary and even hold managerial positions in a company.

Myth #5 – You won’t have a future.

The major shift in newspapers and media from print to digital platforms, simply means that the industry is evolving and this creates new opportunities. Thirty years ago, we could not have imagined a job such as a social media strategist. Studying mass communication equips you with the relevant skills and knowledge to pursue other diverse fields such as international relations (for e.g.: diplomat, foreign correspondent or translator and even politics (for e.g. chief information officer or speech writer).

 

Interested to pursue mass communication? Explore your options at IACT, today!