Understanding Media: Inside Celebrity

by Jessica Evans, David Hesmondhalgh

Understanding Media cites current scholarship to shed light on how celebrities are manufactured by media and why audiences respond as they do. With case studies ranging from King Louis XIV to pop star Kylie Minogue, it examines the construction of celebrity in four history, text, production, and audience. Areas of discussion

176 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2005

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Reviews

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a good introductory media textbook into the conception, purpose, and response to celebrities. It made me reflect upon my own interest in the tabloids and why I sometimes engage in celebrity gossip. I enjoyed how it spoke about the different theoretical approaches to celebrity. I feel that I identify most with the cultural decline perspective. I only wish that the text did more of a deep dive into specific theorists, but I also recognize that it is rare for an introductory textbook to do that.