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

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Etymology

Origin of mainstream media

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mainstream media

I mentioned here—on the fateful day of Sept. 8—that the era’s most important story was unfolding disproportionately outside the mainstream media.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 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

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 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