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mainstream media

American  
[mayn-streem mee-dee-uh] / ˈmeɪnˌstrim ˈmi di ə /

noun

(usually used with a plural verb)
  1. the traditional forms of mass media, as television, radio, magazines, and newspapers, as opposed to online means of mass communication. MSM


Etymology

Origin of mainstream media

First recorded in 1975–80


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Farage, a longtime Trump supporter who helped spearhead Brexit, defended Musk online against critics and described him as a crucial ally against the mainstream media.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

"Look, this is an overwhelming endorsement of me. I have had enough of being judged by mainstream media, being called a criminal."

From Barron's ● Aug. 14, 2026

Creationism hasn’t generated much coverage in the mainstream media over the past decade.

From Salon ● Jul. 10, 2026

I was also excited to bring voice to this character that I just don’t see represented or reflected in a lot of mainstream media.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026

The mainstream media, however, treated the event as big news, and many pundits seemed surprised that the black congregants actually applauded the message.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

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