Battleground: The Media [2 volumes]

by Robin Andersen (Editor)

There are many controversial aspects of today's media system, and this captivating encyclopedia examines the most significant of the topics currently being debated. Arranged alphabetically, approximately 100 entries cover background, definitions, notable programs, significant media events and their historical significance, and important future trends. Issues from sexuality to sensationalism, from surveillance to tabloid news, are covered here in an incisive and informative manner. Coverage of on-going developments and new media technologies combine with the work's timely subject matter to make this an especially relevant set. Some of the topics covered Al-Jazeera; anonymous sources; the blogosphere; CNN, Fox, MSNBC, and cable talk; celebrity worship; censorship; conglomeration and media monopolies; fear-mongering; google books; homogenization; independent cinema; the iTunes effect; obscenity/indecency; leaks and national security; online pornography; politics and internet journalism; privacy & surveillance; product placement; propoganda; tabloid news; videogames; and violence. Entries also include further reading sources. There are many controversial aspects of today's media system, and this captivating encyclopedia examines the most significant topics currently being debated. Arranged alphabetically, approximately 100 entries cover background, definitions, notable programs, significant media events and their historical significance, and important future trends. Issues from sexuality to sensationalism, from surveillance to tabloid news, are covered here in an incisive and informative manner. Coverage of on-going developments and new media technologies combine with the work's timely subject matter to make this an especially relevant set. Entries contain an array of thoughtful perspectives on current controversies, and allow readers to formulate their own conclusions. Topics Al-Jazeera; anonymous sources; the blogosphere; CNN, Fox, MSNBC, and cable talk; celebrity worship; censorship; conglomeration and media monopolies; fear-mongering; google books; homogenization; independent cinema; the iTunes effect; obscenity/indecency; leaks and national security; online pornography; politics and internet journalism; privacy & surveillance; product placement; propoganda; tabloid news; videogames; and violence. Entries also include further reading sources.

672 pages, Hardcover

First published December 30, 2007

About the author

Robin Andersen is Professor of Communication and Media Studies at Fordham University in New York. She is the author of four books, dozens of book chapters, journal articles and writes media criticism for a variety of publications. Her book A Century of Media: A Century of War won the 2007 Alpha Sigma Nu Book Award, the honor society of Jesuit colleges and universities. She helped develop the curriculum for Fordham University’s MA Program on Humanitarian Action.