Hilmes presents the history of broadcasting from a cultural perspective to take into account not only the technology and regulation factors, but also the impact of cultural values, social discourses, and audience formations. * Specific "Connections" case studies in each chapter illustrate and develop the historical forces traced in each era to make complex material easy to understand. These in-depth examples of particular themes and trends encourage students to make connections to broad industry or regulation issues. * Chapter-opening "Social Context" features provide contextual material for students to grasp the historical framework for that era of broadcasting. * End-of-chapter "Conclusion" features assist students in summarizing and synthesizing the chapter material. * Global developments are integrated with U.S. history throughout the book rather than isolated in a separate chapter to help to students understand the global nature of broadcasting.