Includes bibliographical references and index.

Living in a media world : an introduction to mass communication -- Mass communication effects : how society and media interact -- The media business : consolidation, globalization, and the long tail -- Books : the birth of the mass media -- Magazines : the power of words and images -- Newspapers and the news : reflection of a democratic society -- Audio : music and talk across media -- Movies : mass producing entertainment -- Television : broadcast and beyond -- Online media : the internet, social media, and video games -- Advertising : selling a message -- Public relations : interactions, relationships, and the news -- Media law : free speech and fairness -- Media ethics : truthfulness, fairness, and standards of decency -- Global media : communication around the world.

"Designed to give students the media literacy principles and critical thinking skills they need to become a self-aware media consumer, the seventh edition of Mass Communication provides comprehensive yet compact coverage of all aspects of mass media, along with incisive analysis and fun, conversational writing. In every chapter, students will explore the latest developments and recent events that are changing the face of media today"--