ABSTRACT
When we talk about the regulation of mass media, we mean laws and guidelines that influence the way media companies produce, distribute or exhibit materials for audiences. Government regulation of mass media covers a wide range of territory. It can mean regulation by federal, state, county, or city government. Such regulation is carried out for different reasons, and in different ways, in different countries. Americans are often horrified by the extent of government control in other countries compared to that in their own country. Still, every government justifies its approach to regulation on the grounds that it is the best for that society. Sometimes many people in the society agree with the laws and guidelines, even though outsiders consider them unacceptable. Other times, people in the society believe that the laws are unfair and would like to see them change, but feel powerless.
