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

---

Etymology

Origin of mainstream media

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Oliver says Tasha is a "brilliant representative" of somebody that uses a cochlear implant - a small electronic device that helps her to hear - within mainstream media.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 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

What it says about America: Cable television created global superstars while breaking racial barriers in mainstream media.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 1, 2026

Others wondered if there was any way to get the message about their lives out beyond Slashdot, if these stories might reach the mainstream media in some form.

From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz