Featuring the input of highly experienced instructors, this exciting textbook explroes key concepts and develops students analytical, research, and production skills. Each chapter advances the students' knowledge and understanding through a series of developmental assignments and a variety of approaches. Contributors employ a range of different media forms and platforms to consider textual analysis, and they study representation from the point of view of the position and response of audiences and users.

A section outlining approaches to production work considers the creation of texts in different media forms, and practical advice aides in developing research skills. A series of industry case studies focus particularly on television shows (including The Wire), film, computer games, advertising, magazines, and newspapers.