This text is part of a series that aims to involve students actively in their study of the subject and encourage them to consider each topic in its wider social context. Practical assignments are provided through questions, essays and ideas for course work and students' own research. Thi s volume explores the relationship between the media and society, drawing students into active discussion of the controversial issues. It also shows how they can use media in a practical way. Revised and updated, this second edition contains material on such topics as: the media and mass culture; debates about deviance and mass media; the impact of the media on politics and policy making; bias in the media; media, age and class; and audience-reception analysis.