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THE MEDIA

Text for dictation:

The media includes national and local newspapers, satellite, cable and terrestrial television, radio, magazines, journals, teletext and the Internet. Nearly all Britain's national newspapers are owned by UK conglomerates or by foreign-based multinational companies. Consequently, in order for a political party to get elected to government it is extremely helpful to have the support of business tycoons such as Rupert Murdoch, owner of Sky, which broadcasts on many channels, as well as many British national newspapers, including The Sun, the tabloid with a circulation of about 4 million readers.

In a true democracy, the media would provide accurate information and would protect the interests of all the people. However, many TV channels and local newspapers are largely dependent on advertising for their revenue. Although they are often provided free to viewers and readers, the controllers and editors have to please the advertisers whose products may sometimes exploit underpaid work-forces or do damage to carefully targeted consumers.

Viewers and readers are classified by both media providers and advertising agencies according to different social categories ranging from grades A and B for senior managers and professional people through to grades D and E for unskilled workers and casual labourers respectively.