Mass media

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 Mass media

Main article: Mass media in the United States

See also: Newspapers in the United States, Television in the United States, Broadcasting in the United States, Public broadcasting in the United States, Internet in the United States, Radio in the United States, and Video games in the United States

Comcast Center in Philadelphia, headquarters of Comcast, one of the world's largest telecommunications companies and media conglomerates

Media is broadly uncensored, with the First Amendment providing significant protections, as reiterated in New York Times Co. v. United States.^[488] The four major broadcasters in the U.S. are the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), American Broadcasting Company (ABC), and Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX). The four major broadcast television networks are all commercial entities. Cable television offers hundreds of channels catering to a variety of niches.^[520] ${\displaystyle \in }$, about 83% of Americans over age 12 listened to broadcast radio, while about 40% listened to podcasts.^[521] In the prior year, there were 15,460 licensed full-power radio stations in the U.S. according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).^[522] Much of the public radio broadcasting is supplied by NPR, incorporated in February 1970 under the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967.^[523]

U.S. newspapers with a global reach and reputation include The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and USA Today.^[524] About 800 publications are produced in Spanish.^[525][526] With few exceptions, newspapers are privately owned, either by large chains such as Gannett or McClatchy, which own dozens or even hundreds of newspapers; by small chains that own a handful of papers; or, in an increasingly rare situation, by individuals or families. Major cities often have alternative newspapers to complement the mainstream daily papers, such as The Village Voice in New York City and LA Weekly in Los Angeles. The five most popular websites used in the U.S. are Google, YouTube, Amazon, Yahoo, and Facebook—all of them American-owned.^[527]

${\displaystyle \in }$, the video game market of the United States was the world's largest by revenue.^[528] There are 444 publishers, developers, and hardware companies in California alone.^[529]

Theater

Main article: Theater in the United States

Broadway theaters in Theater District, Manhattan

The United States is well known for its theater. Mainstream theater in the United States derives from the old European theatrical tradition and has been heavily influenced by the British theater.^[530] By the middle of the 19th century America had created new distinct dramatic forms in the Tom Shows, the showboat theater and the minstrel show.^[531] The central hub of the American theater scene is the Theater District in Manhattan, with its divisions of Broadway, off-Broadway, and off-off-Broadway.^[532]

Many movie and television celebrities have gotten their big break working in New York productions. Outside New York City, many cities have professional regional or resident theater companies that produce their own seasons. The biggest-budget theatrical productions are musicals. U.S. theater has an active community theater culture.^[533]

The Tony Awards recognizes excellence in live Broadway theater and are presented at an annual ceremony in Manhattan. The awards are given for Broadway productions and performances. One is also given for regional theater. Several discretionary non-competitive awards are given as well, including a Special Tony Award, the Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre, and the Isabelle Stevenson Award.^[534]