Now undisputedly a classic, the third edition of this essential media studies text scrutinizes the new and ongoing changes to the contemporary landscape of creative economy and cultural production. This edition: Provides an all-new online reading guide to springboard students into their own research. Includes brand new examples covering social media, digital publishing, reality TV and talent shows. Traces the growth of the cultural industries in emerging markets in China, India, Asia and Africa. Analyzes the economic crisis and its impact. Examines new products and the influence on consumer electronics and IT companies, including Apple, Facebook and Google. As one of the most read, most studied and most cited media studies texts, this new edition is a must for any student of media and communication studies, cultural studies and sociology.