Wiley-Blackwell Media, History, Society: A Cultural History of U.S. Media

Media/History/Society offers a cultural history of media in the United States, shifting the lens of media history from media developments and evolution to a focus on changes in culture and society, emphasizing how media shaped and were shaped by these trends, policies, and cultural shifts. Covers the topics that instructors want to teach Provides a timely and relevant culturally determined perspective on media history in American society Organized thematically rather than chronologically Links history to contemporary issues, setting journalism into a broader historical context Includes alternate table of contents, discussion questions, an instructor’s manual, and sample exams Review "Cramer provides an extremely concise and yet exhaustive treatment of the development of American mass media.... Cramer’s book is clearly written, highly readable, and of course does the reader the honour of both providing good evidence for all propositions made, and making out a sequential and clear argument." (M/C Reviews, July 2009) Review “Janet Cramer’s unique thematic approach to mass communication covers history, theory, and social change while challenging us to think creatively about how the mass media affect us. This is a thoughtful, stimulating, and readable book.” –Bill Huntzicker, St. Cloud State University“Finally, a media history textbook that takes a socio-cultural approach from beginning to end. Cramer deftly explores the roots of our mass media and the ideas and cultural forces that have shaped them. Plus, she does so in a student-friendly way yet avoids dumbing down the material.” –Thomas B. Connery, University of St. Thomas From the Inside Flap Media/History/Society offers a cultural history of media in the United States, shifting the lens of media history from media developments and evolution to a focus on changes in culture and society, and emphasizing how media shaped and were shaped by societal trends, policies, and cultural shifts. Unlike other media history textbooks, which use technological changes or great media personalities to tell the story of media history, Janet M. Cramer writes about media through its historic trajectory, exploring how some the most salient issues surrounding media today – commercialism, or the role of the media in times of national crisis – can be traced to debates and cultural shifts dating back to the 18th century. Organized around the major themes of media history – freedom of the press, government policy, social movements, capitalism, and market forces –Media/History/Society offers a range of perspectives that collectively provide a comprehensive approach to media history.  From the Back Cover Media/History/Society offers a cultural history of media in the United States, shifting the lens of media history from media developments and evolution to a focus on changes in culture and society, and emphasizing how media shaped and were shaped by societal trends, policies, and cultural shifts. Unlike other media history textbooks, which use technological changes or great media personalities to tell the story of media history, Janet M. Cramer writes about media through its historic trajectory, exploring how some the most salient issues surrounding media today – commercialism, or the role of the media in times of national crisis – can be traced to debates and cultural shifts dating back to the 18th century. Organized around the major themes of media history – freedom of the press, government policy, social movements, capitalism, and market forces –Media/History/Society offers a range of perspectives that collectively provide a comprehensive approach to media history.  About the Author Janet M. Cramer is Associate Professor of Communication and Journalism at the University of New Mexico-Albuquerque.