Introduction to the book -- The rise of mass media -- Concepts and models for mass communication -- Theory of media and theory of society -- Mass communication and culture -- New media -- new theory? -- Normative theory of media and society -- Media structure and performance : principles and accountability -- Media economics and governance -- Global mass communication -- The media organization : pressures and demands -- The production of media culture -- Media content : issues, concepts and methods of analysis -- Media genres and texts -- Audience theory and research traditions -- Audience formation and experience -- Processes and models of media effects -- Social-cultural effects -- News, public opinion and political communication -- Epilogue : the future of mass communication.