The Handbook of Media and Culture in the Middle East

An invaluable resource for those seeking to understand the past, present and future of media and cultural resources in the Middle East.

The Handbook of Media and Culture in the Middle East is designed to help readers navigate the important questions of the region and better understand the global cultural and media transformations that shape the debates and challenges of the twenty-first century. Bringing together contributions by a trans-regional panel of established experts and new voices, this interdisciplinary volume offers a fresh perspective on the cultures of the Middle East and their media production, distribution, and consumption.

Rather than viewing the Middle East as a monolithic culture operating within a limited media framework, the book examines the multi-local characteristics of knowledge production, media, and culture in the region. Particular emphasis is placed on the necessity for moving away from universalism in favor of theoretically- and historically-grounded integrated analysis. Throughout the text, the authors address the central questions of media and culture in the Middle East while contextualizing the region's competing histories, geopolitical and socio-economic issues, and ongoing cultural and media debates.
* Describes the intellectual landscape of the field, including its historic emergence and evolution, key theoretical approaches and empirical research, and possible future directions
* Presents rich analyses anchored in contemporary research and broad historical and geopolitical contexts
* Focuses on the symbiotic and dynamic relationship between old and emerging media
* Offers case studies in cultural production and mainstream and alternative media.
* Discusses the role of empire and its consequences for communication, culture and politics
* Engages with culture as a dynamic site of struggle and contestation

Part of the acclaimed Blackwell Global Handbooks in Media and Communication Research series, The Handbook of Media and Culture in the Middle East is essential reading for academics and researchers in the field and an excellent textbook for students of global studies, media and communication, journalism, anthropology, sociology, economics, political science, and history.