This unique textbook is a manageable introduction to all the theories and approaches that make up media studies, giving students an informed, balanced and global view of media today. Exploring the evolution of media internationally, this book offers theory and evidence in its discussion of past and present modes of media. Divided into four parts, readers are offered insight into critical theories and topics such as ‘Social and Global Change,’ ‘the Influence of Media,’ ‘Intercultural Communication’ and ‘News as a Form of Knowledge.’ Written by leading experts within media studies, Balnaves, Donald and Shoesmith lend their wealth of knowledge to the student reader through this text, guiding them through the progression of cultural and media studies.

'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

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 alsoan 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).