The Fifth Edition of this bestselling textbook provides a comprehensive, non-technical introduction to the range of approaches to understanding mass communication. Fully revised, and with new student-friendly features, McQuail's Mass Communication Theory offers an integrated treatment of the major components of mass communication - the sender, the message, and the audience; considers all the diverse forms of mass communication in contemporary societies - television, radio, newspapers, film, music, the Internet and other forms of new media; and demonstrates how theories of mass communication relate to the broader understanding of society and culture.

Thoroughly up-to-date, this new edition includes:

• A glossary of nearly a hundred key terms in media and communication
• Additional pedagogical features, such as break-out boxes and end of chapter summaries
• More contemporary media examples

The Fifth Edition takes full account of recent theory and research, particularly in relation to new media, globalization and topics related to cultural production (such as advertising, fashion and merchandizing). In this way, McQuail's Mass Communication Theory remains the most integrated and comprehensive introduction to the field.