Increases vs. is increasing?

[Iraberezhany]

Hi Alan
Could you explain me what sentence is correct:
1) The number of newspapers and magazines is increasing in Ukraine every year.
2)The number of newspapers and magazines increases in Ukraine every year.
As far as I know when the situation is changing we use Present Continuous. And what about these two sentences?
Thanks

[Milanya]

I am not Alan but can I answer anyway?
Both are correct depending on context.
1. We use Present Continuous when the situation is in progress or when it is temporary. During this period of time (decade, century, etc.) the number is increasing. Eventually the number will level or drop.
2. The number of newspapers and magazines increases in Ukraine every year. And it will keep increasing for a foreseeable future.
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con·text - The part of a text or statement that surrounds a particular word or passage and determines its meaning.

[Iraberezhany]

Hello
I'd like to know if it is possible to use a noun "mass media" in singular or only in plural. Because as far as I know Olympic Games or government for example can be used with "is" and "are" or am I mistaken?