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

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Etymology

Origin of mainstream media

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

While Martin reigned supreme on the top charts — and as his hypnotic music video circulated across the popular MTV channel — the mainstream media would zero in on more than his music.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2026

What it says about America: Cable television created global superstars while breaking racial barriers in mainstream media.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 1, 2026

Even the mainstream media noticed that he repeatedly appeared to fall asleep during Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting.

From Salon • Dec. 4, 2025

Mr Poirson-Atlan told the court on Tuesday that he was a "satirist" who had just wished to put forward "a point of view different to that of the mainstream media".

From BBC • Oct. 28, 2025

It is not widely debated in the mainstream media or, for that matter, in civil rights organizations.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander