Complex technology is now widely available and commonplace, with new developments emerging almost every day. So how are we to keep up with and make sense of technological changes behind media and communication systems? Do new technologies change society, or are new media the products of social forces? This book examines how media and communication technologies work and considers the society that develops and uses them. From the telegraph to the future of mobile communication, Stephen Lax takes the reader through a critical examination of the most important technologies to come out of the past century. Each chapter is filled with insightful case studies and thought-provoking examples that clearly explain key concepts, whilst exploring historical context and chronological developments to show that 'new' technology depends upon its history. Assuming no prior technical knowledge, the book addresses both technical and social aspects of these developments, explaining bandwidths and frequencies alongside issues of policy and regulation. Illustrated with clear diagrams, boxes and tables, Media and Communication Technologies helps students to confront and make sense of the technological changes taking place in communications today.

Radio, the oldest form of electronic broadcasting, has thus far lagged behind TV in the push to go digital, but efforts have been underway for over twenty years in Europe to create digital platforms for radio. Drawing on extensive cross-national research, this volume offers the first comprehensive review of European digital radio, with details on the technologies, policies, and strategies to bring radio into the digital era--and highlights the successes and failures in implementation. An accessible introduction for students and professionals, this volume presents digital radio broadcasting in both a European and global context.