Like plural nouns it may take a singular or plural verb depending on the intended meaning. If the point is to emphasize the multifaceted nature of the press, a plural verb may be more appropriate.

The media have covered the trial in a variety of formats (from air to film) and many other documents.

Frequently however, media stands as a singular noun for any aggregate of journalistic and broadcasters.

The media has not shown much interest in covering the trial.

(The American Heritageu00ae Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. I am updating

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