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

Less than 10 years ago, Kelly, then a Fox News anchor, was gunning for a career in mainstream media.

From Slate • May 6, 2026

"We're going to make sure he's across all mainstream media," Hearn told the Times, external.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 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

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 is more problematic, though, is that hardly anyone in the mainstream media noticed the oversight.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander