Origins of research into media industries conducted in the United States

Abstract

This chapter presents an overview of various research approaches to the study of the traditional media industries (press, broadcasting, film, and advertising) as developed in the United States through the end of the twentieth century, before the “Media Industry Studies” designation fully emerged. The discussion begins with a consideration of the definition of “media” and “media industries,” and notes that much of the early research originated in fields other than media, film, or communication studies. The chapter continues with brief descriptions of research traditions that have focused on political economy, media economics, media management, the production of culture, production studies, and creative industries. While a wide range of studies have been offered in these areas, the chapter reviews some of the exemplars that have analyzed individual media industries, as well as some that have considered the general media industry. The discussion also distinguishes between critical and celebratory perspectives, as well as work produced by “aca-fans.” It is also noted that some issues or research questions have been shared by the various approaches discussed. Overall, the chapter presents a snapshot of the breadth of media industries research in the United States that has provided some of the groundwork for Media Industries Studies.