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

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

Creationism hasn’t generated much coverage in the mainstream media over the past decade.

From Salon ● Jul. 10, 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

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