"A sprightly, critical and intelligent guided tour around the mansion of media and communications/cultural research... enormously useful for students and researchers."

- James Curran, Goldsmiths, University of London

"A highly comprehensive guide to core concepts in media theory and criticism."

- Andrew Goodwin, University of San Francisco

"A great resource for new under-grads and something I urge my students to buy and use as a hand first ′port of call′ throughout their studies."

- Paul Smith, De Montfort University

This book covers the key concepts central to understanding recent developments in media and communications studies. Wide-ranging in scope and accessible in style it sets out a useful, clear map of the important theories, methods and debates.

The entries critically explore the limits of a key concept as much as the traditions that define it. They include clear definitions, are introduced within the wider context of the field and each one:

• is fully cross-referenced


• is appropriately illustrated with examples, tables and diagrams


• provides a guide to further reading.

This book is an essential resource for students of media and communications across sociology, cultural studies, creative industries and of course, media and communications courses.