This text emphasizes that media audiences can take more active roles as media consumers and have a deeper understanding of the influence the media have in shaping and reflecting culture. It also shows that audience members are as much a part of the mass communication process as the media producers.

The best-selling Mass Communication: Living in a Media World presents a highly accessible introduction to mass communication that equips students with the critical thinking skills to become savvy media consumers. To help students better retain the material, author Ralph E. Hanson uses a storytelling approach that weaves in examples drawn from everyday life. Readers are encouraged to consider the media industry from the inside out and, in doing so, discover the many dimensions of mass communication that operate in our society. The thoroughly revised Eighth Edition highlights how social and digital media, video games, and the COVID-19 pandemic are changing the face of media. This title is accompanied by a complete teaching and learning package.

Mass Communications and Media Studies: An Introduction, 2nd edition is a comprehensive yet concise survey of the history of mass communication media, discussing the current state of each medium, and anticipating the future of mass media. Divided into twelve chapters, it can be used in either 16-week semesters or 12-week terms. Retaining the successful organization of the 1st edition, Peyton Paxson writes in an accessible and well-organized manner, catering to both the needs of students and instructors. He begins each chapter with a list of the current issues and trends concerning the chapter's topic, followed by a brief history of that topic, its current state, predictions for the future, an assessment of career opportunities, and discussion questions for critical thinking. More than just updating statistical data, the 2nd edition weaves in discussions of relevant contemporary issues, including crowdsourcing, going 'viral', interactive advertising, tv industry consolidation, 'the internet of things', conflicting ideas of net neutrality and their continuing implications in a more-connected world.

In today’s media rich world, Introduction to Mass Communication keeps media literacy and culture at its core. Using examples of the past to show how mass communications got their roots, and keeping current with the present’s emerging technologies and trends, Introduction to Mass Communication gives students a deeper understanding of the role media plays in both shaping and reflecting culture. By understanding and evaluating the ways in which media convergence is changing the landscape of media today, students are encouraged to think critically about their own roles in society as active media consumers. Through this cultural perspective, students learn that audience members are as much a part of the mass communication process as are the media technologies and industries. The tenth edition maintains its commitment to enhancing students’ critical thinking and media literacy skills. New and updated material, such as the 2016 Presidential election and the use of social media to link fans with artists and their music, reflects the latest developments in digital technologies, and highlights the most current research in the field.