The Handbook of Media and Mass Communication Theory (eBook)

Robert S. Fortner is Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication at the American University in Bulgaria. He is the author or editor of seven books and almost 100 essays. P. Mark Fackler is Professor of Communication at Calvin College. He has written extensively on topics relating to communication and journalism ethics.

"This two-volume collection is a rich, comprehensive source of developing media theory. Original foundational essays focus on theory, and empirical analyses explore a wide range of case studies and their applications ... Unique for the current and comprehensive range of perspectives it offers, this set is a must read for those interested in having a broad understanding of the evolution and current state of theories in mass communication. Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty." (Choice, 1 April 2015)

"This is a richly detailed set on media theory and its application in communication studies. While the focus is very much on its application in the media sphere, scholars in allied cultural and sociological disciplines will also find much they can adopt and adapt within their own work as well; broadening the appeal and readership likewise ... Given that there is much within this work that will be of repeated use to students and faculty, purchase of this work by any academic library supporting these disciplines is one that should be strongly considered." (Reference Reviews, 1 April 2015)

"That this Handbook calls for two large volumes and
more than four dozen essays illustrates the dramatic pace of
developing media theory in recent years. Such a reference work
would have been impossible a decade or two ago when serious media
theoretical research was just getting off the ground and we had far
more questions than potential answers. Fortner and Fackler and
their impressive array of contributors provide an invaluable
intellectual anthology of what we now know, topics which are still
only partially understood, and aspects where much remains to be
done."

Chris Sterling, George Washington University

"Like Rodgers and Hammerstein or Lerner and Lowe, Robert
Fortner and Mark Fackler are becoming the gourmet indispensable
team who provide excellent inspiration for our field. Like
Christians and Wilkins, they have set the bar with a handbook on
international media ethics. Now they are raising that bar with
The Handbook of Media and Mass Communication Theory, which
assembles a who's who of leading theorists and media studies
thinkers worldwide. Far more than an introduction to media theory,
this double volume is the most current and comprehensive overview
and analysis of the field. ... MUST reading."

Dr. Tom Cooper, Emerson College

"A rich resource for all media-related disciplines.
Impressive for its vision, both retrospective and future-oriented;
and comprehensive in its range of perspectives, from the
established to the innovatory."

Denis McQuail, University of Amsterdam