Vocabulary

Mass Media – средства массовой информации

advertisement, advertising – реклама

to broadcast – передавать по радио или телевидению

to overlook – не учитывать

network – сеть (радио, телевидение)

quiz-show – викторина

vernacular language – национальный язык

viewer – зритель

abuse – жестокое обращение

complaint – жалоба

infringement – нарушение, посягательство

decency – благопристойность

privacy – частная жизнь

to erode – разрушать

Ex.2 Give English equivalents to the following word combinations

средства массовой информации, формировать общественное мнение, коммерческие телевизионные компании, программы высокого качества, викторина, «мыльная опера», привлекать зрителей, слушать радио, развлечение, образовательные программы, конкурировать с независимыми коммерческими компаниями, подать жалобу, критиковать, контролировать программы.

Ex.3 Insert the correct preposition where necessary:

1. Radio and TV programmes influence … way people look .. the world and make them change their views.

2. Every household … TV must … law pay … a licence.

3. Commercial TV companies are financed … advertising.

4. British people can listen … the radio while doing some work … the house or driving a car.

5. A lot … local radio stations provide a mixture … local news, information, chat shows and music.

6. Many radio and TV programmes are excellent and made … good taste and … great professional skill.

Ex.4 Use the correct form of the verb in brackets (Passive Voice):

1. Commercial TV Channels and Radio stations (to finance) through advertisements.

2. Many excellent programmes (to sell) profitably to foreign countries.

3. Most tastes and preferences (to satisfy) by four British regular channels.

4. Radio (to turn on) most of the time, creating a permanent background noise.

5. A mixture of local news, information, chat shows, “phone-in” programmes and music (to provide) by local BBC radio stations, covering the whole country.

6. The majority of TV and Radio programmes are of high quality but some programmes (to criticize) by viewers.

7. In 1990 two Independent bodies (to appoint) in Britain to act as safeguards against abuse.

Ex.5 Complete the following sentences:

1. Mass Media … .

2. The four British regular channels together … .

3. The strength of British television … .

4. Radio … .

5. TV and Radio bring into millions of homes … .

6. In 1990 … .

Ex.6 Expand the statements:

1. Mass Media mould public opinion.

2. Television is the most popular form of entertainment.

3. Television programmes in Britain can please most tastes and preferences of the viewers.

4. British people like to listen to the radio.

5. Radio stations in Britain provide people with a wide variety of programmes.

6. In 1990 two independent bodies were appointed in Britain to act as safeguards against abuse.

Ex.7 Put questions on the text and ask your friend to answer them.

Ex.8 Speak on the TV and Radio programmes broadcasted in your country.

Ex.9 Read and translate the dialogue:

Interviewer: How much time do you usually spend watching TV?

A: Me? Well, I’ve never thought of that, actually. Let me see … The news … perhaps a film … some pop music … Well, not less than three hours a day, I suppose.

Interviewer: And you?

B: As little as I can!

Interviewer: Why? Don’t you like watching the telly at all?

B: Like it? I hate it! It’s the silliest thing you can spend your time on! And the programmes are getting worse and worse! My opinion is that …

A: Excuse me for interrupting you, but how do you know the programmes are as bad as all that if you hardly ever watch them?

B: I’m not saying I don’t watch the telly at all. I only mean there are a lot of far better things you can do than waste your time sitting in front of the box.

A: And I think the telly’s made life more interesting. We can see such a lot thanks to it, and it holds the family together, by the way!

B: And how do you like it when little kids stay up as long as adults to watch things that aren’t good for children at all.

A: I just don’t allow my kids to watch any programme they like-except for special children’s programmes, of course … I mean films, cartoons, that sort of thing, you know …

B: And when you are away from home? Then it’s a problem, isn’t it?

A: Yes, that’s so, I’m afraid, but what do you suggest? I can’t give up my job because of that, can I?

B: What do I suggest? I suggest that you should sell your telly before it’s too late!

A: Sell my telly? Never! Television does us all a lot of good on the whole.

B: And a lot of harm, too!