This is a manageable introduction to all the theories and approaches that make up media studies. The book is accompanied by extensive textual and online resources to give readers guidance at every step. Offering a truly global approach, this is a cutting edge text for today's students seeking to understand worldwide media, past and present.

'Media Theories and Approaches offers an exceptionally clear, well-balanced and up to date synthesis of theory and evidence in media studies. Satisfyingly global and historical in approach, its stimulating, comparative perspective will be greatly welcomed by teachers and students alike.'
- Sonia Livingstone, Professor of Media and Communication, London School of Economics and Political Science
 
'I have been seeking a high-quality media studies textbook that I can recommend to my students for a long time. Finally, it's available! This volume will set the standard for everyone else thanks to its comprehensive coverage, clear exposition, and sincere internationalism.'
- Toby Miller, Chair of Media & Cultural Studies, University of California, Riverside
 
'Genuinely international in outlook and presentation, the strength of Media Theories and Approaches lies in its wonderful combination of broad methodological coverage and telling example. Students and teachers are presented with a thorough introduction to the various media forms and a compelling education in the historically changing evolution of media in the Americas, Europe, East and South Asia and Australasia.'
– Tom O'Regan, Professor of Media and Cultural Studies, University of Queensland

PART I: CONVERGENCES
Introduction
Technologizing the World
A Global View
PART II: THEORIES
Classics in Media and Effects
Classics in Media and Ideology
Classics in Reasoning About Information and its Ownership
PART III: CONTENT, AUDIENCES AND EFFECTS
Information Warfare and Modern Propaganda
Transforming Cultures
Brand China and Bollywood India
PART IV: STRUCTURES AND ORGANISATION
Governance and Digital Identities
Interactive Media and News
Media Economics
Games
Media Research
Conclusion

MARK BALNAVES is Professor of New Media at Edith Cowan University, Australia. He is an expert in audience research and conducted Australia's first major Internet diffusion and adoption study. His books include The Atlas of Media and Information (with Stephanie Hemelryk Donald and James Donald), Mobilising the Audience (co-edited with Tom O'Regan and Jason Sternberg), and Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods (co-authored with Peter Caputi).

STEPHANIE HEMELRYK DONALD is Professor of Chinese Media Studies at the University of Sydney, Australia. Her publications include Public Media in China (co-edited with Michael Keane, 2001), Tourism and the Branded City: Film and Identity on the Pacific Rim (2007) and The State of China Atlas (1999, 2005, 2008).
 
BRIAN SHOESMITH is Professor of Media Studies and Journalism at the University of Liberal Arts, Bangladesh in Dhaka. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Edith Cowan University where he taught for many years. He is a founding editor with Tom O'Regan of Continuum: Journal of Media and Cultural Studies and has co-edited many books, including Refashioning Pop Music in
Asia: Cosmopolitan Flows, Political Tempos, and Aesthetic Industries (with Ned Rossiter and Allen Chun).