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

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

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

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

Even the mainstream media noticed that he repeatedly appeared to fall asleep during Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting.

From Salon • Dec. 4, 2025

Finding enough of the mainstream media hostile to their newfound beliefs, spirit supporters started their own publications, such as Spirit Messenger, Spirit World, and Spiritual Telegraph.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock