- New Chapter One and streamlined organization. With this edition, Media/Impact has returned to a traditional 16-chapter organization. The new Chapter One, Understanding Mass Media Today, provides an introduction to both the field of mass communication and today's media environment. With Chapter Two (Books) the industry-specific chapters begin. Digital media are now presented in detail in Chapter 9, so this chapter appears in historical order, following the other media industries. The new chapter introduced in the last edition--News and Information (Chapter Twelve)--has proven very popular and continues in this edition.
- Increased attention to media literacy. In this edition, a "Critical Question" accompanies a selected Impact box in every chapter to help students absorb, evaluate and respond to the information they're reading Also, the Media/Impact CD-ROM now includes 16 CNN Today video clips that correspond with each chapter topic, and are paired with critical thinking questions (see details below under Resources for Students).
- Updated coverage of new technologies. These discussions address recent developments. Such as the rapid penetration of wireless fidelity (wi-fi), recordable DVDs, new cellular technologies and new convergence technologies as well as expanded and clarified discussions of what digital media are and how they work.
- Updated coverage of media issues. New discussions cover topics such as war and terrorism, recent court decisions involving FCC deregulation and embedded journalists. Additionally, Chapter 15, Ethical Practices and Policies, now includes a discussion of the Jayson Blair controversy at The New York Times.
- New visuals. This edition offers more than 100 new photos, cartoons and updated graphics.
Chapter 1 Understanding
Chapter 2 Books
Chapter 3 Newspapers
Chapter 4 Magazines
Chapter 5 Recordings
Chapter 6 Radio
Chapter 7 Movies
Chapter 8 Television
Chapter 9 Digital Communication and the Web
Chapter 10 Advertising
,ect.