The SAGE International Encyclopedia of Mass Media and Society

Merskin (media studies, Sch. of Journalism and Communication, Univ. of Oregon; Sexing the Media) explores the effects of mass media on modern society in this straightforward encyclopedia. Employing a dictionary format and an interdisciplinary approach, more than 400 international contributors present 700-plus entries on everything from Facebook to fake news to legal aspects (CAN-SPAM Act, Freedom of Information Act) to business (advertising, conglomerates) to resources aimed at those from marginalized groups (African American magazines, Hispanic radio programming). Each signed entry offers a basic overview; an explication; a discussion; a short, current bibliography (some include current websites), and see-also references. Each subject appears under at least one of the 16-topic resource guides (which includes advertising, children and media, music, and race and ethnicity). Surprisingly, the United States is not included among the countries discussed.