mainstream media

American  

[meyn-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

See Examples For:

mainstream media

Coming from the world of young-adult fiction — where she notes stories of queer joy are abundant — Oseman recalls being surprised that “Heartstopper” was treated as an anomaly in mainstream media.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2026

AI can be excellent "for visualising the voices of minorities who have struggled to cross the threshold of mainstream media", said the creator, who asked to use the pseudonym Tender Frame.

From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026

"We're going to make sure he's across all mainstream media," Hearn told the Times, external.

From BBC ● Apr. 30, 2026

Due to mainstream media coverage, he argued, “an idea can become potent through its rapid depiction in culture—including in articles such as this one, which maxes maxxing even as it attempts to minimize it, somewhat.”

From Salon ● Apr. 6, 2026

What is more problematic, though, is that hardly anyone in the mainstream media noticed the oversight.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander