Mass Communication and the Media
have both evolved from the modern era all the way to the digital age. Recently,
the majority of information we receive, is received through different forms of broadcasting.
For example, the news stations that broadcast the information we receive, are
broadcasted on TV. We also get this information from the internet as well. Information
is rarely attained from the TV any longer. However, the TV is kept alive today
because of entertainment and TV shows. While watching these shows, companies
pay for commercial breaks. The breaks allow companies to show off their
products as a way of advertising. According to Merriam-Webster, advertising is the action of calling something to the attention of the public especially by paid announcements (Merriam-webster.com, 2014). With that being said, commercials draw the attention of potential consumers in hopes of enticing them to buy certain products. Advertisement is a growing business in Mass Media, and without it, people would be less informed, therefore causing a decline in sales for certain products.
A sample ad during World War II |
Early developments in American
advertising have been dated back even before 3000 B.C.E. Researchers claim that
early Egyptians carved stones and wood in hopes that others would see their
stores. Before the Industrial Revolution, 90 percent of Americans lived in
isolated areas and they produced most of their own tools clothes and foods
(Campbell, Martin and Fabos, 2014). Advertising was minimal back then, but
began to expand after the 1800s. During the Great depression, World War II
brought on a sudden rejuvenation in advertising (Campbell, Martin and Fabos,
2014). In the 2000s, advertising merged into online marketing. YouTube is a
prime source, and a perfect example, of advertising products via ads and
videos. According to Fastcompany.com, GoPro is the number one most innovative company in Advertising
and 39th most innovative company as of 2014.
GoPro Offical Logo |
Nick Woodman, CEO |
The Weeknd and GoPro HD HERO+3 |
Advertising is a
major business industry when it comes to Mass Communication in a digital age.
Companies like GoPro make their living by selling and convincing potential
consumers to invest, and buy into their company. Although they may struggle,
day by day, companies become more and more successful. Advertising has now
given opportunities to every company to sell their products. On the other hand,
there are other sources that believe that advertising has more cons than pros.
However, without advertising, the business world would not be what it is today.
Companies would be producing products but consumers would not be informed well
enough to know of these products. This domino effect would ultimately lead to
an unruly crash in the economy. Although it isn’t exactly fun to have your
favorite TV show interrupted by an advertisement about the latest indigestion
medicine, commercials, infomercials, and other advertisements are the most
effective ways to get a product to sell .
Works Cited
Bloomberg,
2014. Ask a Billionaire: What Is GoPro CEO's Big Fear?: Video. [Online]
Available at: <http://www.bloomberg.com/video/ask-a-billionaire-what-is-gopro-ceo-s-big-fear-HYsKCj5gQSyPecaHNAR6XA.html>
[Accessed 21 Apr. 2014].
Campbell,
R., Martin, C. and Fabos, B., 2014. Media & culture. 1st ed. Boston:
Bedford St. Martins.
Gopro.com,
2014. GoPro | World's most Versatile Camera | HERO3+ Black Edition. [Online]
Available at: <http://gopro.com//>
[Accessed 21 Apr. 2014].
Merriam-webster.com,
2014. Advertising - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster
Dictionary. [Online] Available at: <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/advertising>
[Accessed 21 Apr. 2014].
PetaPixel,
2013. A Fascinating Look at How GoPro Became the Best-Selling Camera in the
World. [Online] Available at: <http://petapixel.com/2013/11/12/fascinating-look-gopro-became-popular-camera-world/>
[Accessed 21 Apr. 2014].
Staff,
F. and Staff, F., 2014. The World's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in
Advertising. [Online] Fast Company. Available at: <http://www.fastcompany.com/3026329/most-innovative-companies-2014/the-worlds-top-10-most-innovative-companies-in-advertising>
[Accessed 21 Apr. 2014].
Vilaga,
J., 2014. GoPro. [Online] Fast Company. Available at: <http://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/2014/gopro>
[Accessed 21 Apr. 2014].
YouTube,
2014. GoPro: One Night with The Weeknd. [Video] Available at: <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkpYLemrgBQ>
[Accessed 21 Apr. 2014].
YouTube,
2014. GoPro: The Doggy Dash. [Video] Available at: <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHoAWG6wPRA>
[Accessed 21 Apr. 2014].