section_path: Issues with definition/Mass vs. mainstream and alternative
section_name: Mass vs. mainstream and alternative
paragraph_text: Mass vs. mainstream and alternative
  
  The term "mass media" is sometimes erroneously used as a synonym for " mainstream media ". Mainstream media are distinguished from alternative media by their content and point of view. Alternative media are also "mass media" outlets in the sense that they use technology capable of reaching many people, even if the audience is often smaller than the mainstream.
  
  In common usage, the term "mass" denotes not that a given number of individuals receives the products, but rather that the products are available in principle to a plurality of recipients.