IELTS vocabulary: Media

This list highlights 12 useful words and collocations about the media, with clear definitions and example sentences to help you use them in Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3.

mainstream media noun phrase: The large, commonly accessed news outlets and broadcasters that reach a wide audience.; “Many people trust the mainstream media for daily news, but others prefer alternative sources they feel are less biased.”
sensationalism noun: The practice of presenting news in a shocking or exaggerated way to attract attention.; “The tabloid's sensationalism about the celebrity's private life damaged the person's reputation even though the facts were thin.”
biased reporting noun phrase: News coverage that shows a partial viewpoint or unfair preference for one side.; “During the election, critics accused several channels of biased reporting because they ignored opposing candidates' positions.”
citizen journalism noun phrase: When ordinary people, not professional reporters, record and share news or eyewitness accounts.; “Citizen journalism played a key role in documenting the protest when official outlets were slow to respond.”
agenda-setting noun: The process by which media influence which issues the public thinks about and considers important.; “By giving extensive coverage to environmental problems, newspapers can engage in agenda-setting and push those topics onto political agendas.”
media literacy noun phrase: The ability to critically evaluate and understand media messages and sources.; “Schools should teach media literacy so students can spot fake stories and understand how advertising shapes opinions.”
press freedom noun phrase: The right of journalists and news organizations to publish information without censorship or restriction by the government.; “Journalists in many countries risk arrest when they try to report on corruption, which is a serious threat to press freedom.”
tabloidization noun: The trend of news outlets focusing more on celebrity gossip, scandals, and entertainment than on serious issues.; “Critics blame tabloidization for the decline in investigative reporting on important social problems.”
misinformation noun: False or inaccurate information that is spread, regardless of intent to deceive.; “During the health scare, misinformation spread quickly on social platforms and caused unnecessary panic.”
echo chamber noun: An environment where people only encounter information or opinions that reflect and reinforce their own.; “Social media algorithms can create an echo chamber, making it harder for users to see diverse viewpoints.”
investigative journalism noun phrase: In-depth reporting that uncovers wrongdoing, corruption, or hidden information of public interest.; “Investigative journalism revealed the misuse of funds in the charity, prompting an official inquiry.”
public service broadcasting noun phrase: Media outlets funded to provide impartial information and education to the public rather than to maximize profit.; “Many citizens rely on public service broadcasting for reliable news during emergencies because it is less influenced by commercial pressures.”