This textbook contains all of the classic texts which reflect the development of Media Studies in the UK and beyond. Comprehensive in coverage, it provides the essential readings in one volume, combining a broad selection of texts with clearly written and relevant commentaries to each section.
I read this for my Media Literacy Theory class in college and it was, quite frankly, a challenge. Though many of the pieces are extremely interesting and poignant, the point of the book is to squeeze out the true nature of media theory writing, and this kind of writing is… experimental.
Even though many of the pieces in this book were challenging and tricky, it was great to pair them with a weekly class discussion that sort of anchored each theory/point. All in all, heavily academic, inaccessible, and experimental, but a gem if that’s what you’re looking for.
Large book of various media studies and theories, was required for my Media Theory class, decided to read the whole thing. Some are pretty dry reads, others are very interesting, but there was a lot I already knew and understood.