Author Description

Doris Graber's classic text on the mass media continues a strong tradition of combining comprehensive coverage and cutting-edge theory. An ideal core text, this trusted and balanced volume explores the foundations of the American mass media system with a focus on political and technological developments. Graber shows students how the media inuences governmental institutions and functions, and in turn how the government shapes the way the media works and disseminates information. Her broad coverage has three focal points: the news media's role in both the public and private sectors; the media's impact on the attitudes and perceptions of ordinary Americans and political elites; and the ways in which the news media cover governmental institutions and political situations. The seventh edition is thoroughly updated to reect the ever-growing impact of narrowcasting and outlets outside of traditional mediums, such as cable television. The impact of media consolidation and regulatory policies are explored before turning to how media structures and operations function under both normal and extraordinary circumstances, with war coverage, censorship, embedded journalists and consequences of the Patriot Act receiving new and expanded attention. Graber also discusses in greater depth the impact of entertainment media, while coverage of the Internet in politics--its role in elections, the role of bloggers--is given specic emphasis. In addition, new material on the recent 2004 campaigns and elections are infused throughout the book, with tables and gures showcasing current data and original research.