Media and Society is about the ways in which the mass media have become deeply entwined in social life in a large scale postindustrial society. It examines real, imagined, and potential effects of the mass media on individuals and society. It will create an understanding of the processes through which the mass media are enabled and constrained by such factors as technology, law, industry structure, organizational structure, occupational careers, and market. In recent years there have been major changes and each one of these factors and these changes have had important consequences. This book uses classical sociological theory, contemporary industry data, and detailed examples to give students a better understanding of why they have certain media choices available to them and the possible effects of those choices.

This book is divided into two parts. Part I looks at what mass communication is and the place of mass media in social life. Part II looks at the factors that influence media content. Media and Society will give them insights into how the industry operates. This is an exciting time to be studying the mass media and this book gives students a clear understanding of the factors influencing the media today.