Assertion (A): Often the primary aim of mass media is neither to transmit particular information nor to write a public in some expression of culture belief or values, but simply to catch and hold visual or aural attention.
Reason (R): The message of ritual communication is usually latent and ambiguous, depending on associations and symbols which are not chosen by the participants but made available in culture.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true
Correct Ans: (B)
Explanation:
Mass media primarily aim to capture and retain audience attention rather than merely transmitting information or reflecting cultural beliefs. This aligns with the idea that media consumption often focuses more on engagement than on explicit message delivery.
Additionally, ritual communication relies on symbols and cultural associations rather than direct information exchange. Messages in ritual communication are often ambiguous and shaped by societal norms rather than individual choice. This makes the communication process more about participation and connection than about delivering clear-cut information.
Given this context, both the assertion (A) and reason (R) are true. However, (R) does not fully explain (A) because the primary goal of mass media can also be entertainment, persuasion, or commercial interest beyond just ritual communication. Therefore, (B) is the correct answer.