The notion of "the public sphere" has become increasingly central to theories and studies of democracy, media, and culture over the last few decades. It has also gained political importance in the context of the European Union's efforts to strengthen democracy, integration, and identity. The Idea of the Public Sphere offers a wide-ranging, accessible, and easy-to-use introduction to one of the most influential ideas in modern social and political thought, tracing its development from the origins of modern democracy in the Eighteenth Century to present day debates. This book brings key texts by the leading contributors in the field together in a single volume. It explores current topics such as the role of religion in public affairs, the implications of the internet for organizing public deliberation, and the transnationalisation of public issues.

Studying communications and the media requires a range of research methods drawn from disciplines as diverse as sociology, psychology, literary analysis, linguistics and economics. This textbook sets out a comprehensive guide for students and researchers on methods for researching communications. As well as explaining the basics and background to differing research methods, it provides examples, illustrative research analyses, and step-by-step guides on how to do research. Covering all aspects of communication research, the book also explains the ethical issues involved in research and sets out questions of objectivity, qualitative and quantitative approaches, and the role of empirical research. The authors use a range of examples to illustrate the chapters, and draw on their experience of teaching media and communication studies at a variety of levels and in many countries. The book includes a glossary of key terms and provides a guide to all facets of researching and communication for the student embarking on a project, or the researcher designing and developing a study.

Product Description: This book explores the notion that the push toward marketization is the central force currently restructuring the communications landscape and examines the consequences of this development for the constitution of public culture. The contributors analyze the core institutional processes of marketization and assess their impact on the structure and operations of media and communication systems around the world over the last two decades...read more

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Looks at how terrorism is portrayed in the British media, both news and fictional television programs, and discusses whether this coverage supports the government or gives undue influence to terrorist organizations