Lesson

The Media (TV, Radio, Newspapers)

Media vocabulary

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

The Media: TV, Radio, Newspapers

This lesson introduces essential vocabulary used in television, radio and newspapers. You'll learn common terms, how they are used in professional contexts, and useful collocations for business and reporting.

  • Key roles: anchor, presenter, editor, correspondent
  • Types of media: broadcast (TV/radio), print (newspapers), online (digital news, podcasts)
  • Common verbs: broadcast, publish, report, air, cover, circulate

Table

Key Media Vocabulary

Word/Expression Part of speech Example (business/journalism context)
anchor noun The anchor introduced the evening news and interviewed the CEO.
broadcaster noun The national broadcaster will cover the press conference live.
columnist noun Our finance columnist analyzed the quarterly results.
editor noun The editor approved the front-page headline.
headline noun The headline emphasized the company's merger announcement.
press release noun (phrase) The PR team issued a press release about the new product.
air / broadcast verb The interview will air at 8 PM and be broadcast online.
prime time noun Advertising slots during prime time are more expensive.
circulation noun The newspaper's circulation increased after the special report.
live coverage noun There will be live coverage of the annual shareholders' meeting.

Tip

How to use media vocabulary effectively

Focus on collocations and the typical contexts where terms appear:

  • Use 'broadcast' and 'air' for TV/radio programs: The debate will be broadcast live.
  • Use 'publish' and 'circulation' for newspapers: The paper published an exclusive story; circulation rose.
  • Use 'press release' when a company issues official information to the media.
  • Use 'anchor/presenter' for TV hosts and 'host' for radio or podcast presenters.

Match the verb to the medium (broadcast/air = TV or radio; publish = print/online).

Example

Examples in context

The broadcaster will provide live coverage of the product launch.

The editor decided to run the investigative report on the front page.

Our company issued a press release after the successful acquisition.

The anchor asked the CEO about the new sustainability plan.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch for these universal errors when using media vocabulary:

  • Mixing verbs that belong to different media (e.g., 'publish' vs 'broadcast').
  • Using 'news' as a countable noun wrongly (use 'news item' or 'article' for countable forms).
  • Confusing roles: 'editor' (decides content) vs 'publisher' (company that prints/distributes).
  • Incorrect collocations: say 'issue a press release' not 'make a press release'.

Focus on correct collocations and the typical verb + noun combinations.

Quiz

Choose the correct definition of 'anchor' in a news context:

Hint: Think about the person you see presenting the evening news.

Quiz

Complete: The morning _____ covers traffic and weather updates.

Hint: Think of a short news update you hear on radio or TV.

Quiz

Choose the best verb to complete the sentence: The newspaper will _____ the investigative story next week.

Hint: Think about what newspapers do with articles.

Key Points

Vocabulary

anchor

noun CEFR B2 //ˈæŋ.kər//

A person who presents and coordinates a news program on television or radio.

The anchor moderated the live debate between the CEOs.

Vocabulary

press release

noun CEFR B1 //ˈprɛs rɪˌliːs//

An official statement issued to the media to provide information or make an announcement.

The company released a press release announcing the new CEO.

Vocabulary

broadcast

verb / noun CEFR B2 //ˈbrɔːd.kæst//

To transmit a program or information by radio or television; also the program that is transmitted.

The interview will be broadcast live across three channels.

Vocabulary

circulation

noun CEFR B2 //ˌsɜːr.kjəˈleɪ.ʃən//

The number of copies of a newspaper or magazine distributed on average.

The newspaper increased its circulation after redesigning the weekend edition.

Vocabulary

columnist

noun CEFR B2 //ˈkɒl.əm.nɪst//

A journalist who writes regular articles expressing opinions or expertise in a newspaper or magazine.

Our technology columnist wrote a piece on AI ethics.

Vocabulary

prime time

noun CEFR B2 //ˈpraɪm taɪm//

The time period when the largest number of people watch television or listen to radio, often used for high-value advertising slots.

Advertisers pay more for slots during prime time.

Vocabulary

press conference

noun CEFR B1 //prɛs ˈkɒn.fər.əns//

An event where journalists gather to ask questions and receive official statements from an organization or person.

The CEO held a press conference to address the acquisition rumors.