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English Lexicon

Mainstream media

/ˈmeɪn.striːm ˈmiː.di.ə/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #3400 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    The large mass-news outlets, such as television networks, major newspapers, and radio broadcasting companies, that influence a large number of people and reflect prevailing currents of thought.

    "Mainstream media coverage of the election focused heavily on the two major candidates."
  2. 2

    Established journalistic institutions collectively, often contrasted with alternative media, social media, or independent citizen journalism.

    "Many younger audiences have lost trust in the mainstream media, preferring independent online commentators."
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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the combination of 'mainstream' (originating in the mid-19th century from the literal term for a principal current of a river, later extended to prevailing cultural currents) and 'media' (the plural of medium, used in the sense of mass communication since the 1920s). The hyphenated or combined compound gained widespread currency in the late 20th century with the rise of alternative and independent media to distinguish established, large-scale news organizations from newer or fringe outlets.

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