'This is the media and society text that critical scholars have been waiting for'. - Professor Mark Andrejevic, Pomona College This book unpacks the role of the media in social, cultural and political contexts and encourages you to reflect on the power relationships that are formed as a result. Structured around the three cornerstones of media studies; production, content and participation, this is an ideal introduction to your studies in media, culture and society. The book: Evaluates recent developments in media production, industries and platforms brought about the emergence of interactive media technologies. Examines the shifting relationship between media production and consumption instigated by the rise of social and mobile media, recasting consumption as 'participation'. Explores the construction of texts and meanings via media representations, consumer culture and popular culture, as well as the relationship between politics and public relations. Assesses the debates around the creative and cultural labour involved in meaning-making. Includes a companion website featuring exercise and discussion questions, links to relevant blogs and web material, lists of further reading and free access to key journal articles.

Author Biography

Nicholas Carah is an Associate Professor and Deputy Head of School in the School of Communication and Arts at The University of Queensland. His research examines the algorithmic and participatory advertising model of digital media platforms, with a focus on the digital alcohol marketing. Together with The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education he has published research on the use of Facebook by alcohol brands in Australia. He has also worked with the social change start up Hello Sunday Morning to design and evaluate their use of social and mobile media technologies to change drinking cultures. Nic's research has been published in New Media and Society, Television and New Media, Convergence, Consumption, Markets and Culture, Mobile Communication and Culture, Health and Journal of Public Affairs. His 2014 article 'Brand value' was awarded best paper in Consumption, Markets and Culture. He is the author of Brand Machines, Sensory Media and Calculative Culture (2016), Media and Society: production, content and participation (2015), Pop Brands: branding, popular music and young people (2010). He is the co-editor of Digital Intimate Publics and Social Media (2018). Eric Louw, School of Communication & Arts, University of Queensland, previously worked for a number of South African universities (University of South Africa, University of Natal and Rand Afrikaans University), and ran a NGO engaged in development work. His books include: Media and Society: production, content and participation (SAGE, 2015), The Media and Political Process (SAGE, 2010), The Media and Cultural Production (SAGE, 2001), The Roots of the Pax Americana (MUP, 2010), New Voices Over the Air: The Transformation of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (Hampton Press, 2010), South African Media Policy (1995), and The Rise, Fall and Legacy of Apartheid (Praeger, 2005). Louw has published widely in the fields of political communication, South African media and South African political discourse. His current research is focusing on the transformation of South Africa.