The Mass Media and Power in Modern Britain

The Mass Media and Power in Britain is a thorough, lievely introduction to the role, importance, and power of the mass media in contemporary British society. What is the mass media, and how does it help shape life in modern Britain? After introducing the student to discussions around these questions, the authors examine the historical development of the mass media, issues of ownership, and the roots of its power in the public and political sphere. Contemporary questions surrounding todays media are also addressed. What is the role of the audience? How do people take pleasure from media culture? What are the issues surrounding the news, advertising, public services broadcasting, the shaping of public understanding, censorship, violence, and `moral panics'? The authors also look towards the future, considering prospects for a global media and the possible effects of the information superhighway. An invaluable introduction and point of reference for students of sociology, media studies, politics and human geography, The Mass Media and Power in Modern Britain will be essential reading for anyone interested in our mass media _

Part One: Communication and Media Power; 1. Introduction; 2. Reflections on Media History; Part Two: Media Players and Practices; 3. Press Barons and Media Moguls; 4. The BBC: The Struggle for Public Service Broadcasting; 5. Moral Panics, Media Scares, and Real Problems; 6. Photo-Journalism: Every Picture Tells a Story; 7. The Royal Family and the Media; 8. Advertising: A Word From Our Sponsors; 9. Public Relations and Propaganda Wars; Part Three: Media Audiences and Reception; 10. Audience Reception Theory; 11. Consuming the Media: Communication Technology and Audience Choice; 12. Appropriating Pleasure: Diverse Interpretations and Audience Re-Readings; 13. Rethinking Media Influence and Power; Bibliography; Index