EBOOK: Introduction to Mass Communication: Media Literacy and Culture

As the social media revolution embeds itself in our daily lives, and as those who once consumed media become producers, established broadcast media producers are witnessing the dissolution of trust in their established authority. Mediated Space critiques contemporary intersections of Architecture and broadcast media that exploit spaces and places that are real, imagined or hybrids of the two in order to re-establish and strengthen the power of traditional capitalist mechanisms of production and consumption. Examining eight spatial constructions in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Mediated Space embarks on a global exploration of how architecture, spatial design and technology conspire in the service of global capitalism. In three thematic parts that focus on the automotive space of the city, the journalistic space of the news room and the mediated skyline of the city, Mediated Space makes an architectural critique of spaces that are rarely designed by architects but that are experienced every day by millions of people.

This book introduces readers to the Russian media, its current landscape, and its history by outlining the chief challenges faced by Russian journalists on their quest for media freedom. Focusing on how the Government has traditionally controlled the media through censorship, financial involvement, and relations between media moguls and the State, the book analyses to what extent the Russian media has become 'free' since the fall of Communism. The author questions whether freedom is possible at all in a society where the media has traditionally been so closely linked to the State. There are chapters on different forms of media including print, television, radio and the Internet. Each chapter identifies the main hurdles faced by the particular medium and considers the potential it has for becoming truly independent. Key features include: Vivid examples and case studies of the power play between television and the State during the tumultuous 1990s Clear outline of various different forms of media Comprehensive historical overview supported with examples from relevant publications Drawing on her own experience as a professional journalist, the author, provides a first hand account of what journalists in Russia are encountering today. This position allows the author to frankly discuss the tangible issues that impact those involved in the media and their audiences. By providing both a description of the current situation and an overview of Russian media history, The Media in Russia offers a unique introduction to the field and is key reading for students across various disciplines including Russian studies, media studies and politics.

What do we mean by ‘visual evidence’? How should we interpret visual texts, and what can they tell us? Why is ‘visual literacy’ so important and what benefits does it offer? Visual evidence encompasses a diverse range of media, from painting, cartoons and photography, to film, television and documentary. The central argument of this book is that visual evidence is a key to understanding both history and the present day and should not be relegated to a supporting role as merely illustrating the written word. The book shows students, scholars and researchers how to read the visual media to elicit meaning. As primary sources, visual texts can be studied not only for what is directly depicted in the painting or film but also for what it tells us about the people, cultures and societies that made them. Each chapter features fascinating case studies and examples which situate theory in real life. A major appeal of the book is the wealth of illustrations and photographs of visual texts which are included throughout. The authors make detailed reference to these examples to illustrate the theory surrounding visual evidence. An intriguing case study of an unknown girl’s photo album is just one of many examples offered, showing how we can analyze and learn from the visual text. This comprehensive and insightful edited collection brings together international media and cultural theorists, historians and art historians to demonstrate the value of visual evidence not only to media and cultural studies, but also to history, the general humanities and the social sciences.

Actor-Network Theory (ANT), originally a social theory, seeks to organize objects and non-human entities into social networks. Its most innovative claim approaches these networks outside the anthropocentric view, including both humans and non-human objects as active participants in a social context; because of this, the theory has applications in a myriad of domains, not merely in the social sciences. Applying the Actor-Network Theory in Media Studies applies this novel approach to media studies. This publication responds to the current trends in international media studies by presenting ANT as the new theoretical paradigm through which meaningful discussion and analysis of the media, its production, and its social and cultural effects. Featuring both case studies and theoretical and methodical meditations, this timely publication thoroughly considers the possibilities of these disparate, yet divergent fields. This book is intended for use by researchers, students, sociologists, and media analysts concerned with contemporary media studies.

This book will explore the nature of the creative and media sector and describe issues and debates surrounding creative and media teaching and learning. It will provide teachers with support in differentiating between Creative and Media qualifications and suggest appropriate strategies for the delivery and assessment, as well as the integration of functional skills and wider key skills within Creative and Media programmes.

Using a topics-based approach organized around provocative questions about the interaction of sports, culture and society, Sports in Society presents an accessible introduction to research and theory in the sociology of sport. This new edition continues the legacy of the previous editions while introducing new material and examples that bring theory to life. Current debates in sports, such as how youth participation can be increased or sport funding allocated, have been integrated throughout the text to provide a holistic view of society. An Online Learning Centre accompanies this book offering a range of lecturer support materials as well as resources and tests for students.

This accessible and thought-provoking book provides a critical insight into the relationship between the media and the public. It examines the way in which the public is represented, referred to and portrayed in the media, and how the media acts or speaks on the public’s behalf. The first part explores the political side of the relationship between the media and the public. This includes interesting discussion of advocacy in political interviews and the discursive arrangement of political discussion programmes. The second part of the book examines a range of discourses outside of the political realm. Michael Higgins looks at the construction of ordinariness, authenticity and public legitimacy, the relationship between institutional and media expertise, and the exercise of public decency. He argues that what unites the relationships between media and forms of public are their concern with wider issues of politics, governance, and cultural influence. The author offers a range of illustrative examples of broadcasting from US, Australian and British contexts, providing students with a rage of engaging international examples with which to draw comparisons and compare their own media experiences. Each chapter includes recommended texts for further reading and questions for discussion. The Media and Their Publics is an essential text for students and researchers in media studies, cultural policy and political communications.

The new South African edition of Tubbs and Moss offers examples, applications and cases tailored to the local market whilst retaining the successful focus on the principles and contexts of communication studies. The authors link theory and research with fundamental concepts and create plentiful opportunities for students to apply their understanding and develop useful communication skills. The new edition is fully updated with the most up to date reseach and examples, with a strong focus on cultural diversity, technology and local applications.

Now in its seventh edition, Principles of Services Marketing has been revised and updated throughout toreflect the most recent developments in this fast-moving and exciting sector. With a stronger emphasis onemerging and global economies, it’s been restructured to give clearer focus on key issues of efficiency,accessibility and customer experience. This authoritative text develops an indispensable framework forunderstanding services, their effective marketing and how this drives value creation. Key Features •Opening vignettes introduce a chapter’s key themes with short examples that present topics in familiar, everyday scenarios students can relate to •Longer case studies feature well-known companies and provide an opportunity to analyse real-life scenarios and apply understanding •‘In Practice’ vignettes drawn from services organizations from around the world and how services are delivered and experienced by customers •‘Thinking Around the Subject’ boxes examine the operational challenges of putting theory in to practice •‘Summary & links to other chapters’ reinforce the main topics covered and how they fit within the wider context of services marketing to improve overall understanding of the subject •Expanded coverage of key topics such as service dominant logic, servicescapes and the use of social media explore the latest theory and practice •Reflects the importance of marketing for public services and not-for-profit organizations •Includes new chapters on service systems and the experiential aspects of service consumption.