The Political Economy of Communication

"A masterpiece... the one single indispensable book that all media students and scholars need to read to understand this vital and growing area of research."

- Robert W. McChesney, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign




"A contemporary classic of media studies. Vincent Mosco, among the leading media scholars of our or any time, brings his searing insights and crystal prose to bear on the latest issues and debates of the field… An indispensable resource for researchers, activists, and students everywhere."

- Toby Miller, University of California, Riverside




Since publication of its first edition, The Political Economy of Communication has established itself as a true classic and one of the most important contributions to the field. This second edition has been thoroughly restructured, updated and expanded to make it an indispensable text for students and scholars alike. Putting the student at the centre of its updates, this book:

• Maps the definitions and foundations of political economy


• Adds 3 new chapters to explore current trends, from feminism and labour to new media, forms of resistance, media reform and democracy


• Illustrates throughout how power operates across the 21st century media landscape


• Explores key issues in how media power intersects with globalization, social class, race, gender and surveillance


• Shows media students why it is essential to understand political economy and its application to media and communication.

Combining penetrating theoretical analysis with passionate commitment, Vincent Mosco once again gives readers an indispensable introduction to the field.