Development media refers to using mass media to promote development goals like education, agriculture, health, and family planning. It seeks to inform and encourage people without manipulation. There are five theories of how media can promote development:
1) Rostow's stages of economic growth model from 1960 guided US development programs
2) Lerner's 1950s surveys found mass media influences traditional societies to change
3) Lerner's model became the dominant development communication paradigm
4) Modern adaptations use media to support political and social change goals
5) Development news promotes issues like education, health, and agriculture.