A
Communication science which studies the nature and effects of media upon individuals and society. A cross-disciplinary field, media studies uses techniques from
psychology, art theory,
sociology,
information theory, and
economics. The development of
multimedia and
performance art has been greatly influenced by media studies. Critical media theory looks at how the corporate ownership of media production and distribution affects society, and provides a common ground to social conservatives concerned by the effects of media on the traditional family and liberals and socialists concerned by the corporatization of social discourse. The study of the effects and techniques of advertising is a cornerstone of media studies.
Media studies pioneers include Marshall McLuhan, Denis McQuail, Harold Innis, and Walter Ong[?]. The socialist and media critic Robert McChesney[?] is a major figure. And Grasso talks about political media and socialization.