ABSTRACT

Media Criticism in a Digital Age introduces readers to a variety of critical approaches to audio and video discourse on radio, television and the Internet. It is intended for those preparing for electronic media careers as well as for anyone seeking to enhance their media literacy. This book takes the unequivocal view that the material heard and seen over digital media is worthy of serious consideration.

Media Criticism in a Digital Age applies key aesthetic, sociological, philosophical, psychological, structural and economic principles to arrive at a comprehensive evaluation of programming and advertising content. It offers a rich blend of insights from both industry and academic authorities. These insights range from the observations of Plato and Aristotle to the research that motivates twenty-first century marketing and advertising. Key features of the book are comprised of:

  • multiple video examples including commercials, cartoons and custom graphics to illustrate core critical concepts;
  • chapters reflecting today’s media world, including coverage of broadband and social media issues;
  • fifty perceptive critiques penned by a variety of widely respected media observers and;
  • a supplementary website for professors that provides suggested exercises to accompany each chapter (www.routledge .com/cw/orlik)

Media Criticism in a Digital Age equips emerging media professionals as well as perceptive consumers with the evaluative tools to maximize their media understanding and enjoyment.

part 1|112 pages

Critical Roots

chapter 1|20 pages

The Essence of Criticism

chapter 2|32 pages

Critical Functions

chapter 3|29 pages

Criticism and the Communication Process

chapter 4|29 pages

Knowledge Acquisition and Processing

part 2|56 pages

Critical Ingredients

chapter 5|26 pages

Tonal and Talent Ingredients

chapter 6|28 pages

Stage-Molding Ingredients

part 3|74 pages

Critical Gratifications

chapter 7|33 pages

Business Gratifications

chapter 8|39 pages

Consumer Gratifications

part 4|192 pages

Critical Approaches

chapter 9|40 pages

Depiction Analysis

chapter 10|36 pages

Structural Analysis

chapter 11|37 pages

Probing Ethics and Values

chapter 12|38 pages

Aesthetics and Art

chapter 13|38 pages

The Logic of Aesthetic Form

part 5|57 pages

Critical Conclusions

chapter 14|33 pages

Reality Programming

chapter 15|22 pages

Composite Criticism