Western Media Systems offers a critical introduction to media systems in North America and Western Europe. The book offers a wide-ranging survey of comparative media analysis addressing the economic, social, political, regulatory and cultural aspects of Western media systems.

Jonathan Hardy takes a thematic approach, guiding the reader through critical issues and debates, introducing key concepts and specialist literature. Western Media Systems is essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying comparative and global media.

'Western Media Systems offers an insightful and wide-ranging analysis of important developments and questions.' - Patrick Bijsmans, Journal of Contemporary European Studies, Vol. 18, 1, March 2010

Jonathan Hardy is senior lecturer in Media Studies at the University of East London, and teaches political economy of media at Goldsmiths College London. He is secretary of the Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom (UK).