The study of the mass media has flourished over recent decades. Whereas media and communications have traditionally been studied via the lens of sociology or other non-economic disciplines, the perspectives and frameworks offered by economics are now properly recognised as central to our understanding of the organization and behaviour of the mass media - a fact reflected in this unique collection. As more and more economists have turned their attention to media firms and industries, a rich and diverse body of literature has emerged. The articles drawn together in this volume present a survey of the papers that have contributed in important ways to this developing field of enquiry.