Which term refers to the channels used for mass communication?

The term that refers to the channels used for mass communication is "media." In the context of communication, media encompasses various platforms and tools that disseminate information to a wide audience. This can include traditional outlets like television, radio, newspapers, and magazines, as well as digital platforms such as websites, social media, and streaming services.

Understanding the role of media is crucial, as it shapes public perception, informs citizens, and influences social behaviors and societal trends. The other options, while related to communication, do not specifically refer to the channels themselves. Messages refer to the content being communicated, public relations pertains to managing the spread of information between an organization and the public, and communication networks refer to the systems through which messages are transmitted, but do not capture the breadth of mass communication channels like "media" does.