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Intermediary Model of Communication

 

Intermediary Model of Communication

The Intermediary Model of Communication explains communication in which the message does not travel directly from the sender to the receiver. Instead, it passes through an intermediary (mediator, gatekeeper, or communication channel) that receives, processes, modifies, filters, or forwards the message before it reaches the final audience.

This model is commonly used in mass communication, organizations, public relations, journalism, and digital communication.

Visual Representation

                INTERMEDIARY MODEL OF COMMUNICATION

     +------------+      +------------------+      +-------------+
     |   Sender   | ───► |   Intermediary   | ───► |  Receiver   |
     +------------+      +------------------+      +-------------+
                               │
                               ▼
                    Edits • Filters • Transmits

Expanded Model

          Sender
             │
             ▼
      Encode Message
             │
             ▼
    +------------------+
    |   Intermediary   |
    | (Media/Gatekeeper|
    |  or Organization)|
    +------------------+
             │
             ▼
     Channel/Medium
             │
             ▼
        Receiver
             │
             ▼
        Feedback

Components

1. Sender

The person or organization that creates the original message.

Examples:

  • Government
  • Company
  • Teacher
  • News Reporter

2. Intermediary (Mediator/Gatekeeper)

The intermediary receives the message and passes it to the receiver. It may:

  • Edit the message
  • Translate it
  • Filter information
  • Organize the content
  • Select what should be communicated

Examples:

  • Newspaper editor
  • Television channel
  • Social media platform
  • Public Relations Officer
  • Department Head

3. Channel

The medium through which the intermediary delivers the message.

Examples:

  • Television
  • Radio
  • Newspaper
  • Email
  • WhatsApp
  • Social Media

4. Receiver

The final audience that receives the message.

Examples:

  • Citizens
  • Students
  • Customers
  • Employees

5. Feedback

The receiver may respond to the sender directly or through the intermediary.

Example 1: News Communication

Reporter
    │
    ▼
News Editor
(Intermediary)
    │
    ▼
Television Broadcast
    │
    ▼
Viewers

Example 2: College Notice

Principal
    │
    ▼
Administrative Office
(Intermediary)
    │
    ▼
WhatsApp Group / Notice Board
    │
    ▼
Students

Example 3: Company Communication

CEO
   │
   ▼
Department Manager
(Intermediary)
   │
   ▼
Employees

Features

  • Communication passes through a third party (intermediary).
  • The intermediary may modify or filter the message.
  • Suitable for mass and organizational communication.
  • Can include feedback.
  • Useful when direct communication is not possible.

Advantages

  • Reaches a large audience efficiently.
  • Ensures messages are organized and verified before dissemination.
  • Helps coordinate communication in large organizations.
  • Supports communication across different locations.

Limitations

  • Messages may be delayed.
  • Information can be distorted or filtered.
  • Misinterpretation may occur if the intermediary changes the message.
  • The original meaning may not always reach the receiver intact.

Applications

  • Journalism: Reporters → Editors → Readers/Viewers
  • Business: CEO → Managers → Employees
  • Education: Principal → Faculty → Students
  • Government: Ministry → Media → Public
  • Social Media: Content Creator → Platform → Followers

Summary

ComponentDescription
SenderOriginates the message
IntermediaryReceives, filters, edits, or forwards the message
ChannelMedium used to deliver the message
ReceiverFinal audience
FeedbackResponse from the receiver

Formula

Sender → Intermediary → Channel → Receiver → Feedback

Note: The "Intermediary Model" is not one of the classic, universally recognized communication models (such as Aristotle, Lasswell, Shannon–Weaver, Berlo, or Schramm). However, many communication and management textbooks use this term to describe communication that occurs through a mediating person or organization, particularly in mass media and organizational settings.

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