ABSTRACT
This introductory chapter aims to provide some context for the study of the media: to consider how it has developed as an academic subject (and why it is seen as controversial) and to map out the key theoretical frameworks that are the foundation of media studies. It begins with the key question of ‘Why do we study the media?’ before exploring the origins of media studies as an academic subject. Thereafter, the chapter provides a broad overview of the key content of media studies at A Level: the theoretical framework and the contexts of the media. There are, therefore, introductions to the study of media language, media representations, media producers and media audiences. Finally, The Killing (2011–2014) is used to address the study of products in a range of contexts: historical, economic, political, cultural and social.
