Political Economy of Media provides a critical look at the political economy of mass media systems within the US and globally, with special consideration to media ownership and audience labor in the digital age. We will look at specific theoretical approaches of political economy and analyze the role of media in relation to capitalism. On this end, we will explore how contemporary capitalism functions; the role of advertising within the media; the structure and organization of social media, film, television, music, magazines, and newspapers; and ways in which media encourage or stifle democracy. In addition, we will consider the social ramifications of a culture of mass mediation and omnipresent advertisements.