What are the 'cultural industries'? What role do they play in contemporary society? How are they changing? "The Cultural Industries" combines a political economy approach with the best aspects of cultural studies, sociology, communication studies and social theory to provide an overview of the key debates surrounding cultural production. "The Cultural Industries": features revised material on 'Policy'; considers both the entertainment and the information sectors; combines analysis of the contemporary scene with a longrange historical perspective; and, draws on a range of examples from North America, the United Kingdom, Europe and elsewhere. This new edition of Hesmondhalgh's clearly written, thoroughly argued overview of political-economic, organizational, technological and cultural change represents yet another important intervention in research on cultural production. "The Cultural Industries" provides students with an indispensable introduction to the area, clearly written and accessible, but nonetheless essential.