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mainstream media

American

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

noun

(usually used with a plural verb)

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.

After years of blowing spitballs at mainstream media, she was joining the cool kids’ table.

From Slate • May 6, 2026

Paramount declined to comment on the remarks by Hegseth, a former Fox News host who has a lot of experience in bashing the mainstream media.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

Mercury, a fintech for startups and small businesses, spends most of its advertising budget on mainstream media like digital ads and billboards.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Weiss built her brand at The Free Press as a contrarian voice fluent in the grievances of people who believe mainstream media has become too liberal.

From Salon • Feb. 18, 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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023