Media Studies: A Reader

by Paul Marris (Editor), Caroline Bassett

Media Studies: A Reader provides a thorough introduction to the full range of theoretical perspectives on the mass media from the past thirty years. Ranging from the arguments between the American mass communication tradition and the Europe-centered Frankfurt School of the 1940s, to the analyses of communication technologies by Marshall McLuhan and Raymond Williams in the 1960s, Media Studies: A Reader maps the mass media field, its varied and often conflicting histories, and its current debates.

Sixty-five articles provide comprehensive coverage of all the main theorists and approaches. The first half, Studying the Media, explores in detail three core elements of media studies: production and regulation of mass media; media texts; and reception and consumption of media. The second half brings together concrete examples of how theoretical debates can be realized in a series of case studies on soap operas, the news, and advertising.

A general introduction and introductions to each section summarize and contextualize the debates.

Contributors include: Theodor W. Adorno, Marshal McLuhan, Raymond Williams, Stuart Hall, Annette Kuhn, J�rgen Habermas, John Fiske, Richard Dyer, Niki Strange, Danae Clark, Angela McRobbie, Bill Nichols, Lynne Joyrich, David Morley, Ien Ang, Janice Radway, Henry Jenkins, Tania Modleski, Anne McClintock, Sadie Plant.

869 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1996

Reviews

[Simon Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Cynbel · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refer to this book often, timeless insights that have yet to be fully realized. Excellent additon to any one's library.

[Shoshanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOOO GOOOD! Mostly cause of Scout.