This lively and supportive textbook introduces students to the role, practice, and influence of the mass media in contemporary society. Emphasizing the social, cultural, political, and economic contexts in which the media operates, it provides a clear conceptual framework for understanding the process of media communication and looks at a range of key issues, from news production to media control and audience reception. This welcome new edition has been thoroughly updated to includes substantial new material on the Internet and a more sustained engagement with debates about globalization.
James Watson is Director of the BA Honours degree in Media and Communication, West Kent College.