Available in colour for the first time, thoroughly revised, re-ordered and completely updated with recent examples and expanded coverage of current issues, this fourth edition of an outstanding book presents the latest must-have introduction to media studies. From "CSI: Miami" to the "Ring Cycle" and reality TV, the chapters are all supported by case studies which cover every key topic in the area. The book is divided into four parts studying key concepts; media practices; media debates; and provides rich resources in the final reference section. Stimulating and easy to use, and written by two leading teaching figures in the field, "The Media Student's Book" includes: marginal terms, definitions, references and jokes, all allied to a full glossary; follow-up activities, suggestions for further reading, useful websites and a companion support website; and, references and examples from advertising, TV, films, radio, newspapers, photography and the Internet. Providing an excellent introduction to media studies, this book undoubtedly lives up to its reputation as the finest resource available to all media studies students.
Table of Contents
List of illustrations Acknowledgements Introduction Part I: Key Concepts 1 Interpreting media Case study: Ways of interpreting 2 Narratives Case study: "CSI: Miami" and crime fiction 3 Genres and other classifications Case study: J-horror and the "Ring" cycle 4 Institutions Case study: Television as institution 5 Questions of representation Case study: Images of migration 6 Ideologies and power Case study: News 7 Industries Case study: The major players in the media industries Case study: The music industry, technology and synergy 8 Audiences Case study: Selling audiences 9 Advertising and branding Case study: Celebrity, stardom and marketing Part II: Media Practices 10 Research Case study: Researching mobile phone technologies 11 Production organisation 12 Production techniques 13 Distribution Case study: Contemporary British Cinema Part III: Media Debates 14 Documentary and 'reality TV' 15 Whose globalisation? 16 'Free choices' in a 'free market' Part IV: Reference Glossary of key terms Bibliography Useful information Index
Author Biography
Gill Branston is a Senior Lecturer and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies at Cardiff University. Roy Stafford is a freelance lecturer, writer and examiner in media education and training.
