The Evolution of Media

Providing an introduction to the evolution of communication media, this book offers a treatment of both mass media and interpersonal media. It describes the history and development of media technology and also aims to develop a taxonomy for media. It compares their technological requirements, applications, and other significant elements.

A concise introduction to the evolution of communication media, past, present, and future, this book is unique in that it treats both mass media—radio, television, and print—and interpersonal media—telephony, computer communication, and new technologies. The first part of The Evolution of Media describes the history and development of media technology. The second and third parts of the book develop a taxonomy for media and compare their technological requirements, applications, and other significant elements. The fourth part presents a simple methodology to help predict the success of new media products and services, using sample analyses to illustrate the process. The Evolution of Media is a useful supplement for foundational courses in mass communication and communication history, as well as a primer for anyone interested in understanding the big picture of communication media.