Communications and Media

Media is the plural of medium. Media is regarded as the means through which information is conveyed to the targeted audience. Media can therefore be defined as channels available for communication and serves different purposes which include entertainment, communication of news and information. This may also include the display of advertisement messages to serve as a linkage between the buyer and the seller of a given product. There are several types of media which include print media, electronic media, out-of-home, and direct mail. Print media is usually used to refer to any information that is obtained in form of print and this may include newspapers, magazines, directories, newsletters, and even event programs. Electronic media refers to broadcast media which includes radio and television, cable and the internet. Out-of-home media are normally meant to serve the advertisement purpose and they include billboards, transit advertising, and posters that are usually placed in the public places. Finally the direct-mail media involves the adverts that are directly mailed to prospects. Advancement in technology has led to the development of new forms of media like the movie-house advertising and specialized and automated telephone devices which have prerecorded advertising messages.

Information
Information is a concept that has several definitions which range from the daily usage of the term to technical usage. This concept is normally related to an array of notions including communication, control, data, instructions, meaning, perceptions, and representation among several other orientations. In simple terms, communication can be described as receiving a message and comprehensively understanding the message (Ash, 1990). According to Shannon and Warren Weaver, information is a choice or entropy and therefore they see the meaning of a message in the human sense as inappropriate (BusinessDictionary.com, 2010). The term information has therefore been differently defined depending on the context within which the term is used. However, in general terms, the meaning of information can be said to be facts, data, or instructions that may be found in any medium or form. It may also be used to refer to the meanings that humans assign to data based on the universally accepted conventions which are used in representing the data (Farlex, Inc, 2010).

Communication
The term communication is conceptual and therefore has several meanings. Communication can be defined as the process through which the exchange of information occurs. This involves the sending, giving, or exchange of information and ideas and this is oftenly expressed both verbally and non-verbally. Communication can be viewed as a two way process in which both partners exchange information and at the same time create and share a common meaning. Communication is a complex phenomenon and that human responds differently to each message depending on the timing and the context. Kaminski warns that the goal of communication is not merely telling but it should also involve altering another persons behavior (Kaminski, 2001).

Entertainment
Entertainment has been defined in several terms but it includes the act of receiving a host, or of being pleased by the actions of hospitality. The term can also be used to refer to something which has the capability of entertaining. Entertainment can therefore be said to be any action that amuses or pleases the targeted audience. Basically, entertainment has been defined as any kind of activity that is responsible for providing an amusement for individuals in a passive manner. Those activities involving participation are called recreation and therefore should not be confused with entertainment (Bazon, 2010). Entertainment can be achieved through conversations, public performances, and theatrical performances that are carried out in greater style and sophistication. There are three major categories of entertainment which includes exhibition entertainment, live entertainment, and the mass media entertainment. Exhibition entertainment involves what is usually displayed in the amusement parks, museums, art exhibitions, and fairs and trade shows. Live entertainment on the other hand involves live performances like dances, circus, concerts, operas, discotheques, and magic. Mass media entertainment involves the film industry, literature, newspapers, radios, television, and video games (BrainyMedia.com, 2010).

Convergence of information, communication, and entertainment
The three concepts all converge in what can be referred to as media interactions. These concepts have found their convergence through what has been reflected in the definitions. Media has been referred to as the means through which information is conveyed. The conveyance of the information is essentially meant to communicate which could mean entertaining the audience. A specific example could be a company which can choose a clown to advertise their product in electronic media specifically the television. The clown will attract the attention of the viewer and the message will definitely reach the audience in an effective manner. Television programs form some of the best examples in which media convergence may occur. The other example would be the cartoon network which apart from entertaining little kids, the programs carries some lessons with which small kids would find useful in their young life.

The convergence of media interactions has had a great impact on mass communication. Powered by technology, the convergence in media interaction has enabled the quick almost instantaneous relay of information to the audience and this has been hailed especially by the interested parties for its convenience and effectiveness. A click of the button for instance will open up a whole page of entertainment, news clips, or any other information one may be looking for. For instance, the emergence of social networks like twitter and facebook has enabled friends and acquaintances to converse in real time despite the long and vast distances that were once considered a barrier to effective communication. Professionally, the internet has made what was once impossible to become possible. Who thought of working in office at home This sounds ridiculous but it is exactly what is happening With the internet connectivity, one is able to move around with his or her laptop and attend to office duties while away from the office. The internet has brought about what can be referred to as the mobile office.

Media interactions can be said to be a wide concept considering that it involves an array of sectors including information, communication, and entertainment among others. Technology has pushed the notion further by improving on the effectiveness of the interaction. Media interactions can be argued to be cross cutting as it touches on various aspects including entertainment, communication, and information. These interactions have mostly affected the mass media prompting many individuals to be reached within the designated time. This has led to a highly informed society in which information, entertainment, and all that involve mass media has been appreciated. However, this has come with challenges as there is a difficulty in controlling the proliferation of information and thus some information has been availed to the unwanted groups. Advancement in media is a welcome move provided that it is positively going to impact society.