Which type of media encompasses channels like social media and mentions on other blogs?

Earned media refers to the exposure and visibility a brand gains through public relations efforts, word-of-mouth, and organic publicity, rather than through paid advertising or owned assets. This includes mentions of the brand in blogs, news articles, and most importantly, social media conversations. When a brand is discussed or recommended by third parties or influencers without any compensation or contractual arrangement, it is considered earned media.

The essence of earned media lies in its credibility; because it comes from third-party sources, it can be perceived as more trustworthy than owned or paid media. This organic mention can lead to enhanced brand awareness and reputation, and often generates engagement and conversation among potential customers.

In contrast, owned media involves the brand's own channels, such as its website, email newsletters, or social media accounts that it controls. Paid media encompasses any kind of advertising the brand pays for, such as pay-per-click ads, sponsored posts, or display ads. Public media is less commonly defined in marketing terminology and can refer to broader communications not necessarily tied to a specific brand’s promotional efforts. The distinction of earned media as a focus on third-party endorsements is what makes it the correct answer in this context.