The media : an introduction / edited by Adam Briggs & Paul Cobley.

Includes bibliographies and index.

As we move towards the new millenium the media are increasingly part of our lives, our cultures and global economies, yet do we really know what constitutes the media and the way in which it impacts upon us? This exciting volume of new, original and unique articles provides a comprehensive introduction to all the important recent developments in the media, from institutions to policy and practice. It is divided into three sections, each of which, in different ways, are concerned with the European media: What are the media? describes the diversity of the media, as a series of separate and distinct industries and practices rather than as a monolithic entity; 'Outside' the media, explores the issues which directly impinge (from without) on the different media; audience feedback, beliefs about 'effects', broadcast policy and differing traditions of organising, studying and funding media; 'In' the Media examines the representations that actually appear (and do not appear) in the media and how the media presents different facets of the real world.Key features: *specially commissioned contributions from leading scholars*provides a uniquely comprehensive theoretical and practical overview