An introduction to the discrete field of the political economy of media and culture. Topics include: the rise and decline of the 'cultural imperialism' thesis (& related UNESCO policy initiatives); the global media corporation and the ideology of 'convergence'; the significance of 'ICTs' to contemporary capitalism; the information society as a legitimating ideology; the rise of the public sphere thesis within political economy of the media; 'social market' and radical-democratic alternatives to orthodox 'neoclassical' media policy; Hotelling's effect and the culture industries; risks in demonisation of 'moguls'; Australian media policy from a comparative political economy perspective. Theorists include Garnham, McChesney, Mosco, Curran.