The mass media serve as a system for communicating messages and symbols to the general populace. It is their function to amuse, entertain, and inform, and to inculcate individuals with the values, beliefs, and codes of behavior that will integrate them into the institutional structures of the larger society. In a world of concentrated wealth and major conflicts of class interest, to fulfil this role requires systematic propaganda.
The mass media act as a vital mechanism for conveying information and ideas to the public, fulfilling roles of entertainment and education. They play a crucial part in shaping individuals' values and behaviors, aligning them with broader societal structures. This integration into society is essential for fostering a shared understanding and promoting conformity to prevailing norms.
In a society characterized by economic inequality and class struggle, the mass media's function often involves the use of systematic propaganda. This process is necessary to maintain the interests of those in power while addressing the complexities of societal conflicts. Chomsky highlights that the media's role extends beyond mere communication to actively participating in the reinforcement of specific ideologies.
