The fifth edition of this popular textbook considers diversity in the mass media in three main settings: Audiences, Content, and Production.

The book brings together 55 readings – the majority newly commissioned for this edition – by scholars representing a variety of humanities and social science disciplines. Together, these readings provide a multifaceted and intersectional look at how race, gender, and class relate to the creation and use of media texts, as well as the media texts themselves. Designed to be flexible for use in the classroom, the book begins with a detailed introduction to key concepts and presents a contextualizing introduction to each of the three main sections. Each reading contains multiple 'It’s Your Turn' activities to foster student engagement and which can serve as the basis for assignments. The book also offers a list of resources – books, articles, films, and websites – that are of value to students and instructors.

This volume is an essential introduction to interdisciplinary studies of race, gender, and class across both digital and legacy media.