Print ISBN: 978-1-63700-748-8
# of Pages: 597
# of Volumes: 1
Print List Price: $165
e-ISBN: 978-1-63700-749-5
eBook User Price: $165
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Principles of Mass Communication

Free Online Access to the Salem Press/Grey House Platform
August 2024


This volume introduces students to mass communication, a broad field that encompasses the communication of information to the public through a wide range of mass-media outlets, from print magazines and newspapers to interactive, multimedia-oriented websites and apps.

The history of mass communication spans centuries, and changes within that field have often occurred alongside—and at times spurred on—social change, the rise and fall of industries, and shifts in the geopolitical landscape. In the increasingly connected world of the twenty-first century, the task of communicating information to the public is a vital one, particularly when that information concerns public health or safety. At the same time, however, changes in the public’s means of consuming information have eroded the influence and reach of traditional communication outlets such as print newspapers; likewise, the development of technologies such as artificial intelligence and the rise of phenomena such as fake news have called the reliability and truthfulness of some forms of mass communication into question.

This title explores the variety of ways mass communication has taken place over the last several hundred years and how it has evolved alongside modern technological advancements. The production of mass communication by a diverse range of organizations, individuals, corporations, politicians, and more is explored with historical context through a modern lens. Various communication channels including print, television, radio, and social media platforms, to name a few, are studied in relation to their influence on culture and society. 

This title provides a critical look into the ways that mass communication can misinform or mislead readers, offering insights for readers to increase their critical thinking skills and digital literacy. Offering guidance for navigating the seemingly unlimited influx of information in our modern word, this title provides a foundation for readers to consume information with a critical eye. Students and researchers wishing to navigate the complex field of twenty-first-century mass communication will find this volume an invaluable resource for developing a deeper and meaningful understanding of this important and evolving topic. 

Entries are arranged alphabetically to make finding topics easy. Each entry includes an Abstract that provides a brief, concrete summary of the topic, a detailed essay that provides an explanation of the background and significance of the topic, and a Further Reading list of up-to-date references.

Entries in Principles of Mass Communication range from one to five pages in length. Some topics discussed include:

  • Journalism
  • Broadcast media
  • Social media
  • Advertising
  • Public health communication
  • Publishing, recording, and broadcasting technologies
  • Propaganda
  • Media literacy
  • Storytelling
  • Artificial intelligence and mass communication
  • Copyright and intellectual-property law

The volume also includes a number of helpful appendices, including:

  • A Glossary that defines all of the key specialized terms that are used throughout the book
  • A list of Organizations with contact information and web addresses that offers readers further resources. 
  • A comprehensive general Bibliography, comprising the works authors drew upon in composing their entries as well as sources for further study
  • A Subject Index that offers multiple points of entry for readers

With over 120 individual essays, this new volume gives readers a solid overview of mass communication and the major concepts and contemporary issues surrounding its role in the real world. This volume will be an important resource for students at the high school and undergraduate levels, especially those considering careers in communications, journalism, public relations, social media, and related fields.

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View a Full List of Titles from the Principles of Science Series