Rowman & Littlefield Publishers The Evolution of Media

A concise introduction to the evolution of communication media, past, present, and future, this book is unique in that it treats both mass media_radio, television, and print_and interpersonal media_telephony, computer communication, and new technologies. The first part of The Evolution of Media describes the history and development of media technology. The second and third parts of the book develop a taxonomy for media and compare their technological requirements, applications, and other significant elements. The fourth part presents a simple methodology to help predict the success of new media products and services, using sample analyses to illustrate the process. The Evolution of Media is a useful supplement for foundational courses in mass communication and communication history, as well as a primer for anyone interested in understanding the big picture of communication media. Review Noll's book does nor lend itself well to comparisons becuse the focus is neither new media nor old but media evolution. As such, it is unique. Recommended.--CHOICE Clearly, this stimulating and thought-provoking offering--though small in length--is large in scope. I concur with the author on its dual purposes, evident in the informative treatment of media past, present, and future. Rich descriptions and explanations, plus illustrations, augment an excellent contribution to this literature in terms of content, organization, and readability. Also has a very interesting appendix (tech tutorial). Indeed, an expert's view!--Michael H. McBride, Texas State University The Evolution of Media demystifies the technology of communications--old and new. In his own clear style, avoiding hype and futurology, Michael Noll provides an understanding of the fundamental principles that are essential for all who study communication and media in the twenty-first century.--William H. Dutton, University of Southern California, author of Society on the Line A path-breaking and enormously suggestive study of communication media written by someone who uniquely understands and explains both the technologies involved and their social, cultural, and economic implications.--Arthur Asa Berger, San Francisco State University No better brief treatment of the subject of communication media exists than what Noll offers in these pages. Noll, a highly regarded expert, provides a sure-footed guide to what the student or concerned citizen needs to know about the technical base and rapidly changing nature of today's media systems. His five-factor model captures the strategic dimensions that need to be considered in evaluations of business choices and regulatory regimes for communication media.--James E. Katz, Rutgers University About the Author A. Michael Noll is emeritus professor of communications at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Southern California and director of technology research at the Columbia Institute for Tele-Information. He worked previously at Bell Labs, the White House, and AT&T and brings all his varied and extensive experience to this book.