Broadcasting in America, Brief Version delivers a succinct version of the original survey text and covers the major areas of broadcasting: history, technology, economics, programming, ratings, regulation, and international issues. In 14 concise chapters, BIA, Brief is tailor-made for a semester's worth of study. New to this edition is its holistic approach to broadcasting, examining the convergence of various electronic media and taking a global view. With an authoritative and focused tone, the authors' craft a text that is richly informative. Supplemental exhibits include case studies, diagrams, charts, vignettes, and personality profiles. This text presents a distinctive view that media is both a product of social forces and a social force in its own right.