Time social media giants subscribed to rule of three Rs

In 1517 Martin Luther wrote and published the ‘95 Theses’ which many believe was the catalyst to the creation of the Protestant reformation.

- Angus Long

Indeed, the incredible influence that Martin Luther managed to achieve simply through the combination of writing down his thoughts and ideas and how the invention of the printing press helped spread those writings across Europe.

They led to changes in what was previously a very Rome-centric Catholic world.

The influence of these teachings resulted in wars, rebellions, changes in the law and the advent of a new branch of Christianity. So, in some respects, the first example of the powerful influence of mass media.

We still have the printing press today, albeit much more technologically advanced and books, newspapers and magazines still wield much persuasion and influence with their readers.

In 1910, we got radio, quickly followed by Television (TV) in 1929.

Along with the press, radio and TV quickly became very powerful mediums that over the years have, and continue to, wield enormous power and influence.

While very different in delivery, all these mediums are subject to the three R's -Rules, Responsibility and Regulation. They are obligated to the three Rs for a number of reasons, but primarily because of their authority and influence.

They wield incredible power; one of the best ways to identify a medium that carries such persuasive clout is one that is heavily advertised on.

Businesses and corporations aren't going to invest millions of pounds advertising on mediums that don’t.