Historically, media often functioned primarily as an 'institutional lens,' focusing on the activities, pronouncements, and perspectives of established institutions such as government, corporations, political parties, and religious organizations. This approach often involved reporting official statements, press conferences, and policy decisions, sometimes reinforcing existing power structures and narratives. The media's role was largely seen as a conduit for institutional information to the public.

However, in the contemporary era, there has been a significant shift, and media has increasingly evolved into a 'societal lens.' This means it now more broadly reflects, shapes, and amplifies the diverse voices, concerns, and experiences of society at large, rather than just those of formal institutions. Several factors contribute to this transformation:

1. Rise of Digital Media and Social Platforms: The internet, social media, and citizen journalism have democratized information creation and dissemination. Individuals and grassroots movements can now bypass traditional media gatekeepers, sharing their stories and perspectives directly, giving voice to previously marginalized groups.
2. Focus on Social Issues: Media increasingly dedicates coverage to a wide array of social issues such as human rights, environmental concerns, gender equality, public health, and economic inequality. This reflects a broader societal consciousness and demand for media to address these topics.
3. Investigative and Advocacy Journalism: Beyond merely reporting institutional actions, modern journalism often delves deeper, investigating institutional failures, corruption, and abuses of power from a public interest perspective. Advocacy journalism also champions specific social causes.
4. Public Opinion and Discourse: Media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion, influencing cultural norms, and driving societal discourse. It doesn't just report what institutions say; it interprets, critiques, and contextualizes, often through the lens of its impact on society.
5. Diversity of Perspectives: There's a greater demand for media to represent a wider range of perspectives, including those of minorities, activists, and ordinary citizens, moving beyond the official narratives of institutions.
6. Decline of Traditional Media Dominance: The fragmentation of media consumption means that people seek information from diverse sources, many of which are explicitly geared towards specific societal interests or communities.

While media still reports on institutions, its approach has become more critical, inclusive, and reflective of the broader societal fabric. It acts as a mirror, reflecting societal values and concerns, and also as a shaper, influencing public discourse and holding power accountable from a citizen-centric viewpoint. This shift, while empowering diverse voices, also brings challenges such as the spread of misinformation and the fragmentation of public discourse, but undeniably marks a move towards a more societal-focused media landscape.