Mass Communication and Society: Historical and Contemporary Issues provides students with an overview of major topics in mass communication from media convergence to media ethics to freedom of speech and the press. Featuring readings from prominent and influential authors in the field, including Joseph Turow, Carl Becker, Michael G. Parkinson, L. Marie Parkinson, and Kathy M. Newman, to name a few, this anthology takes a close look at the First Amendment, government regulations placed on the media, and the self-regulation the media imposes upon itself. The text also addresses black media, media literacy, mass ethics in education, mass communication research, and globalization theory. Mass Communication and Society offers students a foundational understanding of historical and contemporary issues in mass communications. The book is well-suited for undergraduate courses in mass communication, broadcasting, history, and popular culture.