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

See Examples For:

mainstream media

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

"The reality is twofold. First: Not enough people trust us. Not you. Us. As in: the mainstream media," she said, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

From BBC ● Jun. 3, 2026

“Evie started for women who didn’t feel represented by the mainstream media, for women who love beauty, romance, aspiration,” said Hugoboom, 34.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 18, 2026

It’s easy to understand how some members of the mainstream media, including MS NOW’s Joe Scarborough, enthusiastically declared that “evangelical leaders” had been “forced or shocked” to “speak out against it.”

From Salon ● Feb. 11, 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