Publisher's Synopsis
Altheide deals with a very simple paradox: in the past, people communicated in order to get something done; now they must first do something in order to communicate. The role of the mass media in establishing, shaping, and maintaining basic communication formats is the main focus of his book. He looks at how mass-mediated versions of events differ from those experienced first-hand, and at what would happen if everyone had unlimited access to television broadcasting facilities. Using specific examples and case studies of current events, Altheide examines the impact and implications of the mass media on a range of phenomena from international relations down to self-concept.
`(This book) is an important complement to that whole body of literature dealing with the media′s social influence.′ -- Choice, September 1985
′...I find the work to be an outstanding leap forward...his contribution is a fine one′ -- Journal of Communication, Winter 1986
