Media/History/Society: A Cultural History of U.S. Media

Media/History/Society offers a cultural history of media in the United States, shifting the lens of media history from media developments and evolution to a focus on changes in culture and society, and emphasizing how media shaped and were shaped by societal trends, policies, and cultural shifts. Unlike other media history textbooks, which use technological changes or great media personalities to tell the story of media history, Janet M. Cramer writes about media through its historic trajectory, exploring how some the most salient issues surrounding media today – commercialism, or the role of the media in times of national crisis – can be traced to debates and cultural shifts dating back to the 18th century.

Organized around the major themes of media history – freedom of the press, government policy, social movements, capitalism, and market forces –Media/History/Society offers a range of perspectives that collectively provide a comprehensive approach to media history.