In its exploration of some of the most influential, popular, or critically acclaimed television dramas since the year 2000, this book documents how modern television dramas reflect our society through their complex narratives about prevailing economic, political, security, and social issues. Television dramas have changed since the turn of the 21st century-for the good, many would say, as a result of changes in technology, the rise of cable networks, and increased creative freedom. This book approaches the new golden age of television dramas by examining the programs that define the first 15 years of the new century through their complex narratives, high production value, star power, popularity, and enthusiastic fan culture. After an introduction that sets the stage for the book's content, thematic sections present concise chapters that explore key connections between television dramas and elements of 21st-century culture. The authors explore Downton Abbey as a distraction from contemporary class struggles, patriarchy and the past in Game of Thrones and Mad Men, and portrayals of the "dark hero protagonist" in The Sopranos, Dexter, and Breaking Bad, as a few examples of the book's coverage. With its multidisciplinary perspectives on a variety of themes-terrorism, race/class/gender, family dynamics, and sociopolitical and socioeconomic topics- this book will be relevant across the social sciences and cultural and media studies courses. Identifies and explores connections between critically acclaimed television dramas and real life in the 21st century Documents the qualities of television drama series since the turn of the 21st century in the latest era in television that some refer to as the "third golden age of television" Offers accessible analysis of popular and current television dramas relevant to educators and students in the fields of media studies, television, and popular culture as well as anyone who enjoys modern television drama

This title provides a broad overview of how women are portrayed and treated in America's news and entertainment industries, including film, television, radio, the internet, and social media. This book provides a one-stop resource for understanding the participation and representation of women in the U.S. media in such areas as narrative film, scripted television programming, advertising, video games, news, and sports. Coverage is wide-ranging and comprehensive, covering historical developments and trends as well as such relevant issues as gender disparities in pay and advancement opportunities, stereotypical gender portrayals in popular entertainment, sexual harassment in America's media and entertainment industries, and the dearth of positive media representations of women of color. Engaging with this history and reading about current issues related to this topic will be useful to those interested in understanding more about why women's engagement in media-in such roles as performer, journalist, producer, and writer-is important. It will also help readers better understand how and why problematic media representations of women hinder efforts to achieve full gender equality in American society. Provides readers with an understanding of the history of women's representation in developing and contemporary media industries Highlights and discusses current issues related to women's representation in media forms Offers perspectives from a variety of writers on specific elements of women's representation and professional prospects in American media industries Profiles accomplished women who have impacted media industries in meaningful ways

This volume summarizes the evolution of news and information in the United States as it has been shaped by technology (penny press, radio, TV, cable, the internet) and form development (investigative journalism, tabloid TV, talk radio, social media). Media, Journalism, and "Fake News": A Reference Handbook provides readers with an overview of news and media in the United States. Additionally, the book discusses, additionally discussing the economic state of the news industry, partisan news, misinformation and disinformation, issues of representation, and the impact of social media. The volume starts with a background of the development of news and information in the United States. It then goes on to discuss significant problems, controversies, and solutions related to the topic. Readers also will be able to develop their understanding of the topic by reading profiles of key figures and organizations that contributed to the current news climate. A comprehensive list of resources will help readers decide where to go next should they want to learn more about a particular area of interest. Provides readers with an overview of the development of news and information in the United States as an influential factor in a democracy, prompting readers to consider the importance of understanding this landscape Summarizes how changes in technology have influenced the content and form of news and information distribution, highlighting for readers the relationship between technology and content Points out the effects of different types of news and information - from investigative journalism to disinformation spread via social media - giving readers examples of the potential influence information might have on culture Profiles key figures and organizations that contributed to the evolving news and information landscape, deepening readers' understanding of the depth and breadth of the landscape Provides data about the current news and information landscape that captures elements of consumer engagement with a variety of news sources, providing readers with a broader understanding of how news and information is consumed and resonates with U.S. citizens

This book offers an exploration of the comprehensive impact of the events of September 11, 2001, on every aspect of American culture and society. On Thanksgiving day after September 11, 2001, comic strip creators directed readers to donate money in their artwork, generating $50,000 in relief funds. The world's largest radio network, Clear Channel, sent a memo to all of its affiliated stations recommending 150 songs that should be eliminated from airplay because of assumptions that their lyrics would be perceived as offensive in light of the events of 9/11. On the first anniversary of September 11th, choirs around the world performed Mozart's Requiem at 8:46 am in each time zone, the time of the first attack on the World Trade Center. These examples are just three of the ways the world—but especially the United States—responded to the events of September 11, 2001. Each chapter in this book contains a chronological overview of the sea of changes in everyday life, literature, entertainment, news and media, and visual culture after September 11. Shorter essays focus on specific books, TV shows, songs, and films.