Written by leading scholar David Hesmondhalgh, The Cultural Industries remains the definitive text for understanding the ever-evolving world of culture, creativity, and commerce. This textbook provides a coherent and accessible analysis of cultural industries, combining clarity with comprehensive coverage on an international scale.

In this new edition, David provides incisive updates to reflect today’s pressing issues, including:

• The emerging impact of generative Artificial Intelligence on cultural production and consumption;
• Problems surrounding the use of automated, AI-based systems and human curation to recommend cultural products to users;
• The increasing importance of social media creators and influencers;
• Refreshed and internationalised case studies, offering a more inclusive and diverse perspective.

Packed with real-world examples, The Cultural Industries equips readers with practical insights and critical frameworks to navigate this complex field. From students and educators to industry professionals, this text is an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the forces shaping cultural production in the modern era.