This encyclopedia discusses media around the world in various forms-newspapers, magazines, radio, television, film, books, music, websites, social media, mobile media-and describe the role of each in both mirroring and shaping society. It provides a thorough overview of media within social and cultural contexts, exploring the development of the mediated communication industry, mediated communication regulations, and societal interactions and effects. The reference work looks at issues such as free expression and government regulation of media; how people choose what media to watch, listen to, and read; and how the influence of those who control media organizations may be changing as new media empowers previously unheard voices. The role of media in society will be explored from international, multidisciplinary perspectives via approximately 800 articles drawing on research from communication and media studies, sociology, anthropology, social psychology, politics, and business.