Whether it's the Roosevelt administration's impact on the formation of the NCAA, the protest of the Vietnam War by Muhammad Ali, or the rise of rap and hip-hop in the 90s and its penetration of the NBA's image, American culture and politics have intersected regularly with sports. The impact of American politics and culture on the sports industry, and vice versa, is evident throughout the halls of history and, in particular, the 20th and 21st centuries mark an interesting period of time to explore this relationship. One avenue to be considered during this time is the amplification and growth of mass media and its role in framing these intersections of American pop culture, politics and the sports industry. Many of the values that Americans hold dear to their identity, such as activism and protest, capitalism, freedom of expression, and competition, are permeated through the history of collegiate and professional sports in the United States, and the media has played a role in shaping those opinions and values among Americans through its various outlets. The United States of Sport looks at how media outlets portrayed several of these intersections in politics, culture and sports, with each chapter highlighting a moment or phenomenon in American history and its direct or indirect impact on some aspect of the sports industry through the eyes of newspapers, magazines, television, radio and online news outlets.

Whether it's the Roosevelt administration's impact on the formation of the NCAA, the protest of the Vietnam War by Muhammad Ali, or the rise of rap and hip-hop in the 90s and its penetration of the NBA's image, American culture and politics have intersected regularly with sports. The impact of American politics and culture on the sports industry, and vice versa, is evident throughout the halls of history and, in particular, the 20th and 21st centuries mark an interesting period of time to explore this relationship. One avenue to be considered during this time is the amplification and growth of mass media and its role in framing these intersections of American pop culture, politics and the sports industry. Many of the values that Americans hold dear to their identity, such as activism and protest, capitalism, freedom of expression, and competition, are permeated through the history of collegiate and professional sports in the United States, and the media has played a role in shaping those opinions and values among Americans through its various outlets. The United States of Sport looks at how media outlets portrayed several of these intersections in politics, culture and sports, with each chapter highlighting a moment or phenomenon in American history and its direct or indirect impact on some aspect of the sports industry through the eyes of newspapers, magazines, television, radio and online news outlets.

Introduction to Mass Communication: People, Platforms, and Practices features readings that prompt students to reflect on and discuss diverse topics in communication disciplines, ethics, and history. Students learn about major subject areas in communication, such as journalism and strategic communication, as well as various platforms including print, radio, film, comic books, television, video games, and social media. Each chapter features one or two readings that give students a sense of the history, practices, changes, and challenges within a specific area. The selections are organized into five primary units that cover the nature of mass communication, public reception of media, traditional methods of media engagement, modern mediums of engagement, and the impact and influence of global media. Specific topics include media convergence, participatory culture, media literacy, and censorship. Each chapter includes an original introduction that places the readings in appropriate context for students who are new to the discipline. Rich in factual information about a field that has enormous reach and economic influence, yet remains intensely personal in its uses and impact on users, Introduction to Mass Communication is an appropriate textbook for introductory communication courses.