We have met the media, and they are us

4 comments May 12th, 2008

The more varied and crowded the media field gets, the more some people want to lump us together. So far, those arguing for “media” as a collective noun and therefore singular are in the minority, but the ranks are growing.

The Register Star follows Associated Press style: “Media” is plural. Many dictionaries, usage guides and other stylebooks agree.

There was a time when journalists were referred to as “the press,” no matter what medium was used to disseminate their information. Nowadays, those who don’t use a printing press often prefer “media.” Related terms still seem to be OK, though: press agent, press secretary, the pressroom in the White House and press conference.

By the way, the AP prefers “news conference” for that last one, even though the news value of a “press conference” can be questionable. No matter what it’s called, all the media show up.