The Lasswellian model of mass communication is the foundation of media

The Lasswellian model of mass communication is the foundation of media effects theory.

Its famous question, who says what in which channel to whom with what effect, ends by asking about the impact on the audience.

By foregrounding the with what effect element, it directs study toward the influence media exert on receivers.

A causal theory in a strict scientific sense is broader and not the specific line this model founds.

Ethical studies concern the moral dimensions of media conduct, which the Lasswell formula does not centre on.

Culture analysis examines shared meanings and practices, a different tradition from the effects orientation this model launched.