British News Media

This book is a thorough and lively introduction to the role, importance, and power of the mass media in contemporary British spciety. What is the mass media, and how does it help shape life in modern Britain?: After introducing the student to discussions around these questions, the authors examine the historical development of the mass media, issues of ownership, and the roots of its power in the public and political sphere. Contemporary issues surrounding today's media are also addressed. What is the role of the audience? How do people take pleasure from media culture? What are the issues surrounding the news, advertising, public services broadcasting, the shaping of public understanding, censorship, violence, and `moral panics'? the authors also finally look towards the future, considering prospects for a global media and the possible effects of the information superhighway. This book will be an invaluable introduction and point of reference for students of sociology, media studies, politics and human geography, and for anyone interested in our mass media.

This accessible and jargon-free book, based on Eric Barendt and his collaborators' interviews with editors of national newspapers, journalists, and their lawyers, uncovers the extent to which libel laws stifle press freedom. The authors examine the present state of libel law (including the Neill reforms and the law in Scotland) and then explore the impacts of libel law upon national and regional newspapers, broadcasters, and book and periodical publishers. This is a lively study which will appeal not only to journalists and lawyers, but to all who are interested in the freedom of the press in the UK or media studies in general.

This fully-updated new edition of Politics and the Mass Media provides a comprehensive introduction to the role of mass communications in politics at all levels, from election campaigns, news reports and lobbying groups to the media activities of pressure groups.The relationship between politics, politicians and the media is a matter of increasingly contentious debate, as politicians' awareness of the importance of the media becomes more sophisticated amidst rapidly-advancing media technology and control.Providing a review of the nature and content of political communications and of recent theoretical developments, Negrine addresses the issues surrounding today's mass media, including cable and satellite television, investigation of the press, the relationship between the state and broadcasing institutions and the ever-present question of whether or not Britain needs a media policy. This new edition includes:* Case studies from television and the press* Fully revised text with updated sections on the press, broadcasting and media legislation* Brand new chapters on Europe and globalisation