This engaging new text introduces students to the world of media through a unique structure that makes the material easily intelligible and meaningful to their lives. Each chapter is divided into three-part narrative sections: history, industry, and controversy. "Mass Media in a Changing World" is the story of where the media came from, why they do what they do, and why those actions cause controversies. The updated edition features updated statistics and current examples, including the Web 2.0, the firing of Don Imus, coverage of the shootings at Virginia Tech, citizen journalism and blogs, and much more!