Includes bibliographical references and index.

Understanding the nature of mass media. Understanding mass media and the importance of media literacy -- Making sense of the media business -- Formal and informal controls on media content : government regulation, self-regulation, and ethics -- Making sense of research on media effects and media culture -- Media giants and cross-media activities. A world of blurred media boundaries -- Understanding the strategies of media giants -- The print media. The book industry -- The newspaper industry -- The magazine industry -- The electronic media. The recording industry -- The radio industry -- The motion picture industry -- The television industry -- The internet and video game industries -- Advertising and public relations -- The advertising industry -- The public relations industry -- Epilogue.