НОВОСТИ.СРЕДСТВА МАССОВОЙ ИНФОРМАЦИИ.

UNIT 7: BRITISHMEDIA

Ex.1. Read the text and find the English equivalents of the following words:

средства массовой информации, предоставлять развлечения, независимость и свобода, выполнять роль, независимый «надзиратель», политические вопросы, государственная власть, быть ответственным за, транслировать, совет директоров, беспристрастный (непредвзятый), представлять конкуренцию, семья (домашнее хозяйство), зарабатывать деньги, вид отдыха, показывать рекламу, образовательное вещание, спутниковая тарелка, подписываться на (обслуживание), зрители, художественные фильмы, конкурентоспособная область на рынке вещания, контролирующий орган, доступный, компьютерно грамотное поколение, признавать, периодические издания, различные точки зрения, «желтая пресса», вторгаться в личную жизнь, преследовать знаменитостей.

TEXT:THE MEDIA IN GREAT BRITAIN

The media is a collective term for newspapers, magazines, television and radio. The media plays an important role in daily life in Britain. As well as providing entertainment, the media in Britain has a long tradition of independence and freedom. Its independent status allows the media to fulfil the role of an independent “watch-dog”. Open discussion on political issues acts as a balance to state power.

TV

Three organizations – the BBC*, the Independent Television Commission (ITC) and the Radio Authority – are in charge of television and radio services. The BBC broadcasts television and radio services while the ITC and Radio Authority license and check services. The BBC was set up in 1927 and is headed by a board of Governors who are chosen by the Government. These governors are responsible for providing a balanced and impartial service. In 1955 Independent Television (ITV) stations were permitted and began to present some competition to the BBC. The BBC is supported by license fees paid annually by each household (around 97% of British households have a colourTVset and buy an annual licence which costs almost £100). The BBC also makes money from the world-wide sale of programs and publications.

Television is the most popular leisure activity in Britain – on average, people spend about three and a half hours each day watching TV. There are four channels on British TV. BBC1 and BBC2 are owned by the state. They carry no advertising and regularly transmit educational broadcasts. The commercial channels, ITV and Channel 4, are paid for by the advertisements they show.

There are five terrestrial television channels – this means that they are available without a satellite dish. Many people subscribe to satellite television services. Normal satellite services give viewers up to 30 extra English language channels. Some of these channels offer general entertainment, but most are devoted to specialized themes, such as sport, music, children’s programs and feature films.

RADIO

The BBC has five home radio stations, as well as the “world service” which can be heard in many countries all over the world in English and 45 other languages. The world service has many news programs, plays, shows and cultural discussions as well as English lessons. There are also three independent national radio services (classical music, rock music and talk radio) and about 200 independent local radio services. Radio has become the most competitive area of the broadcasting marketplace nowadays.

THE INTERNET

The Internet is not usually described as part of the traditional mass media. No one owns it, there is no controlling body and it is accessible to more and more people every year. It gives access to a wealth of information and resources. For an increasingly computer-literate generation, the Internet could become a real alternative to more traditional media. Many publishers and broadcasters have recognized this and have created their own sites on the World Wide Web (WWW).