ABSTRACT
As we live in this mass-mediated world, Tolson (1996: ix) suggests that we should be asking 'what are the consequences of this way of living?' The purpose of this chapter, therefore, is to begin to explore the ways in which the media influences customer attitudes towards food and beverage provision. It begins by examining the historical relationship between the media and the construction of public taste in food and beverage provision and consumption. This is followed by an examination of some of the specific ways in which the media's communicative formats produce discourses about food and beverages that ensure audience consumption. Finally, the discussion seeks to identify the ways in which dominant meanings about food and beverage provision are currently presented within individual food texts. From this debate, insights may be gained about the nature of the media role that will inform food and beverage management strategies as they strive to understand and satisfy public attitudes and tastes.
