"Mass Communication: Living in a Media World" presents a highly accessible introduction to mass communication that equips students with the critical thinking skills they need to become savvy media consumers. To help students better retain the material, author Ralph E. Hanson uses a storytelling approach that weaves in examples drawn from everyday life. Readers are encouraged to consider the media industry from the inside out and, in doing so, discover the many dimensions of mass communication that operate in our society. -- From publisher's description.

Living in a media world : an introduction to mass communication -- Mass communication effects : how society and media interact -- The media business : consolidation, globalization, and the long tail -- Books : the birth of the mass media -- News business : reflection of a democratic society -- Audio : music and talk across media -- Movies : mass producing entertainment -- Television and video : broadcast and beyond -- Online and mobile media -- Social media and video games : becoming part of the story -- Global media : communication around the world -- Advertising : selling a message -- Public relations : interactions, relationships, and the news -- Media law : free speech and fairness -- Media ethics : truthfulness, fairness, and standards of decency.