What is considered the first medium of mass communication?

The first medium of mass communication is identified as print. This development began with the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century, which revolutionized the way information was disseminated. Prior to print, communication was primarily limited to oral traditions or handwritten manuscripts, which were not widely accessible to the general public. The advent of print allowed for the mass production of books, newspapers, and pamphlets, thereby enabling information and ideas to reach a larger audience than ever before.

Print media laid the foundation for subsequent mass communication methods, including radio, television, and the internet. Each of these technologies built upon the principles established by print, such as the ability to reach a broad audience quickly and efficiently. While radio was significant in its own right and played a crucial role in disseminating information during the 20th century, it emerged after print had already established itself as the cornerstone of mass communication.

In this context, print stands as the pivotal medium that initiated the modern era of mass communication, making it the correct choice.