Perspectives on Mass Communication

Perspectives on Mass Communication is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Denis McQuail (1935-2017), who was Emeritus Professor at the University of Amsterdam and Visiting Professor at the University of Southampton. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential scholars in the history of mass communication studies.This wide-ranging conversation provides detailed insights into how examining the media, and in particular mass media, necessarily involves a careful, probing look at our societal values; the concepts, metrics and ideas that McQuail developed to measure the sociological influence of the media; the critical role of journalism in society and more.


This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, A Sense of Perspective, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:

I. Plunging into the Media - The beginnings of a unique career
II. Getting Rigorous - “Mass Communication Theory” arrives
III. Journalism and Society -  Looking more broadly
IV. Bringing It Home - The view from the street
V. Towards the Future - Optimism and pessimism



About Ideas Roadshow Conversations:


This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert through a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks